Transactions of the Ossianic Society

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TRANSACTIONS

OF

THE OSSIANIC SOCIETY.

TRANSACTIONS

THE OSSIMIC SOCIETY

FOR THE YEAR

1855.

VOL. III.

t:oKUj5l)e>2ict)T: <Di)j2iR2t)ut)2i 213US 5!)K2ljWMe.

DUBLIN:

PRINTED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COUNCIL,

FOR TH£ USE OF THB SISaiBERS.

1857.

t:OKUJ5t)e2lCr)C 4Dl)J2lK^U<t)2l 213US 5t)K2ljMNe;

OB,

THE PURSUIT AFTER

DIARMUID O'DUIBHNE, AND GRAINNE

THE DAUGHTER OF

CORMAC MAC AIRT,

KING OF IRELAND IN THE THIRD CENTURY.

EDITED BY

STANDISH HAYES O'GRADY, ESQ,

DUBLIN :

PRINTED FOR THR OS8IAMIC BOCIETT,

BY JOHN O'DALY, 9, ANGLESEY-STREET.

1857.

TH* PnBlIOATIONS OP THIS SOCIBTT ABB NOT SOLD ; BEING SIBICTir
UMITED TO MEMBBRS.

PHINTBD BT OOOBWIlf, BON, AKD HBTHBKCOTT, 79, MARLBOBOUOH-STRBBT, DUBLIN.

%\)t §ssm\t Bmtiv,

Founded on St. Patrick's Day, 1853, for the Preservation and Publi-
cation of MSS. in the Irish Language, illustrative of the Fenian period
of Irish History, &c., with Literal Translations and Notes.

OFFICERS ELECTED ON THE 17th MARCH, 1856.

I^rpsiknt :

Standish Haies O'Grady, Esq., Erinagh House, Castlcconnell,

Rev. Ulick J. Bourke, Si. Patrick's College, Maynooth.

Rev. Euseby D. Cleaver, A.B., Witney, Oxon,

John O'Donovan, LL.D., M.R.LA., Dublin.

Rev, Thaddeus O'Mahont, A.B., 24, Trinity College, Dublin.

Cnnnril :

Rev. John Clarke, C.C, Louth.

Professor Connellan, Queen's College, Cork.

Rev. Sidnbt L. Cousins, Tivoli Hall, Kingstown.

Rev. John Forrest, D.D., Bray.

Rev. James Goodman, A.B., River View, Shibbereen.

William Hackett, Esq., Midleton, Cork.

Rev. Patrick Lamb, P.P., Newtownhamilton.

Michael J. Mac Carthy, Esq., Derrynanoul, Mitchelstown.

M. M'Ginty, Esq., Bray.

Conor Mac Sweeny, Esq., Passage West, Cork.

John O'Daly, Esq., O' Daly's Bridge, Kells.

John O'Duffy, Esq., Dublin.

Rev. John L. O'Flynn, O.S.F.C, 24, BlackhalUstreet, Dublin.

James O'Mahony, Esq., Bandon.

Rev. Daniel A. O'Sullivan, P.P., Ennishean, Bandon.

John T. Rowland, Esq., Droghedn, and Abbey-street, Dublin.

Andrew Ryan, Esq., Gortkelly Castle, Borrisoleigh.

John Windele, Esq., Blair's Castle, Cork.

Charles H. H. Wright, Esq., A.B., Trinity College, Dublin.

íímmn :

Rev. Thaddeus O'Mahony, A.B., 24, Trinity College, Dublin.

InnDmrii fmrtanf:

Mr. John O'Daly, 9, Anglesey-street, Dublin.

THE main object of the Society is to publisli manuscripts, consisting of
Poems, Tales, and Romances, illustrative of the Fenian period of Irish
History; and other documents illustrative of the Ancient History of
Ireland in the Irish language and character, with literal translations,
and notes explanatory of the text.

Subscriptions (53 per annum) are received by the Treasurer, 24,
Trinity College, by any member of the Council, or by the Honorary
Secretary, Mr. John O'Daly, 9, Anglesey-street, Dublin, with whom
the publications of the Society lie for distribution among the members,
and from whom prospectuses can be obtained.

GENERAL RULES.

1. That the Society shall be called the Ossianic Society, and tliat
its object shall be the publication of Irish Manuscripts relating to the
Fenian period of our liistory, and other historical documents, with literal
translations and notes.

2. That the management of the Society shall be vested in a President,
Vice-presidents, and Council, each of whom must necessarily be an
Irish scholar. The President, Vice-presidents, and Council of the So-
ciety shall be elected annually by the members, at a General Meeting, to
be held on the Seventeentli Day of Marcli, tlie Anniversary of the So-
ciety, or on the following Monday, in case St. Patrick's Day shall fall on
a Sunday. Notice of such meeting being given by public advertisement
inviting all the members to attend.

3. That the President and Council shall have power to elect a Trea-
surer and Secretary from the Members of the Council.

4. The receipts and disbursements of the Society shall be audited an-
nually by two Auditors, elected by the Council ; and the Auditors' Re-
port shall be published and distributed among the members.

5. In the absence of the President or Vice-President, the Members of
Council present shall be at liberty to appoint a Chairman, who will not
thereby lose his right to vote. Tliree members of the Council to form a
quorum.

6. The funds of the Society shall be disbursed in payment of expenses
incident to discliarging the liabilities of the Society, especially in the
publication department, and no avoidable expenses shall be incurred.

7. Every member shall be entitled to receive one copy of the Society's
Publications ; and twenty extra copies of eacli work shall be printed for
contingencies.

8. The funds of the Society shall be lodged in Bank, in the name of
the President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Society, or any three
members the Council may deem proper to appoint.

9. The Council shall have power to elect additional members, and fill
vacancies in its own body.

10. Members of Council residing at an Inconvenient distance from
Dubiin shall be at liberty to vote by proxy at elections.

1 1 . Membership shall be constituted by the annual payment of Five
Shillings, which sum shall become due on the 1st of January in each
year.

12. The Ossianic Society shall publish every year one volume, or
more, if their funds enable them.

13. No change shall be made in these Rules, except at a General
Meetirg, and at the reconnnendation of the Council ; the proposer and
seconder of any motion for such change, shall lodge a notice of their
intention in writing, with the Secretary, twenty clear days before the
day of General Meeting.

14. That all matters relating to the Religious and Political differences
prevailing in this country, be strictly excluded from the meetings and
publications of the Society.

THIRD ANNUAL REPORT,

READ ON THE 17TH DAY OF MARCH, 1856.

The Council of the Ossianic Society, in coming before the public on
this their third anniversary, have much pleasure in announcing a large
increase in the ranks of the Society within the past year. On the last
anniversary the number of members enrolled in the Society's books was
116, and on this day the number enrolled is 291, showing an increase
of 175 members within the year.

The Council attribute this great success chiefly to the smallness of the
subscription, and the style in which the publications of the Society are
issued. The two books already brought out have met with the greatest
approbation, and have gained high praise from some of the most influ-
ential reviews in the kingdom. It is contemplated by the Council to
issue the third and fourth volumes within the present year, as both are
now nearly ready for press. One of these, the Pursuit of Diarmuid and
Grainne, ,is a curious specimen of the ancient Irish romance. The
President of the Society has prepared this work from the best copies that
could be procured.^; The other volume is still more interesting to the in-
vestigator oCremote Irish history, and gives an account of the great
war supposed to have been carried on between the Conacians and Ulto-
uians one century before the Christian era. Seanchan, the ollamh of
Ireland, wrote it from the dictation of Fergus Mac Eoigh, another
learned ollamh, about A.D. 560. It is best known among Irish scholars
by the name of Tain Bo Chuailgne ; or, the Cattle Spoil of Cuailgne
(now Cooley), a district of the county of Louth. The manuscript, from
which this volume will be printed, belongs to the Rev. Patrick Lamb,
P.P., Newtownhamilton, County of Armagh, a member of the Council,
who has very kindly lent it to the Society. It comprises 200 folio pages
of closely-written matter, and will form a very large book if it can be
brought out in a single volume. It contains much interesting matter —
such as mythological incidents, accounts of pillar-stones and tulachs.
Ogham inscriptions, and treats of the war chariots of the ancient Irish,,
familiar spirits, or Leanan Sighes, &c., &c. Mr. Hackett, of Midleton,
the gentleman by whom tlie work is to be edited, announces that it will
be soon ready for the printer.

The Society's last volume referred to Ceann Sleibhe'in Clare, of le-
gendary fame, and through tlie zeal of Mr. Lysaght, of Ennis, who
takes a warm interest in the proceedings of the Society, " Old Thomond"
has responded to the call by sending in no small number of members,
Mr. Kowlaiul, of Drogheda, has also been instrumental in gaining many
new members.

Within the past year an agent has been appointed in Philadelphia,
United States of America, where the Society has gained ground, through
the exertions of an enthusiastic Irishman, Mr. John Burton, of that

10

towu ; and from the feeling that prevails in favour of the Society, the
Council calculate on having nearly 500 members before the close of the
present year.

A very remarkable circumstance has characterized the Ossianic So-
ciety beyond its fellows. A large number of ladies, some of whom hold
a high place in the walks of literature, have given their support as
members, and it is truly gratifying to the Council to find how deep an
interest they take in the Society's welfare.

The Council have to lament the heavy loss that Irish literature has
sustained by the death of one of their body, the late Mr. James Har-
diman, of Galway, whose literary remains will ever endear his memory
to Irishmen.

Wliile such hopes present themselves to the Society, it is requested
that each individual member will feel as if the prosperity of the Society
depended solely upon his own exertions, and therefore do all in his power
to secure adherents.

After the support given to the Society in the brief interval since its
formation, the Council deem it scarcely necessary to stimulate the pa-
trons and admirers of Irish literature to any increased exertion, con-
vinced as they are that no effort will be wanting to sustain a movement
of so interesting a character. But they cannot avoid directing attention
to a circumstance of no small significancy, as tending to prove the
estimation in which the existing remnants of Irish literature are held
by men most competent to form a correct opinion of their value — they
allude to the fact that within the last month Dr. O'Douovan, Vice-Pre-
sident of the Society, whose name has been so long and so honourably
associated with every effort to facilitate the access of the learned to the
treasures hitherto concealed in our national historic documents, has re-
ceived the high distinction of being elected a corresponding member of
the Royal Academy of Berlin, on the motion of Jacob Grimm, the
greatest of living philologists, and the man best capable of appreciating
the importance of a knowledge of the Celtic language and literature to
the philologist and the ethnologist.

When foreigners of such celebrity take so great an interest in tlie
objects which the Ossianic and kindred Societies are endeavouring to
promote, the Council can have little apprehension as to the success of
the experiment which they ventured on so short a time ago, and under
circumstances, at first sight, of no very encouraging character.

It only remains for the Council to add, and they do it with great
satisf\iction, that the financial affairs of the Society are in a most
nourishing condition, and that after all its liabilities shall have been
discharged, there will remain a considerable balance in the Treasurer's
hands.

BOOKS PRINTED BY THE SOCIETY.

I. Cac 5bAbTiA ; or, the Prose aad Poetical Account of the Battle of
Gabhra (Garristown), in the county of Dublin, fought A.D., 283, be-
tween Cairbre Liffeachair, king of Leinster, and the Fenian forces of
Ireland, in which the latter were conquered, and their ranks finally
broken up. Edited by Nicholas O'Iíeabneí, Esq. (Out of print.}

II. Ve]V ^15® CY)OT}i>,]i) Cbli^i) Sbl&lbe ; or, The Festivities at the House
of Conan of Ceann Sleibhe, a romantic hill which is situated on the
borders of the Lake of Inchiquin, in the county of Clare. Edited by
N. O'Kearney, Esq. (Out of print.)

This document contains a colloquy between Fionn and Conan, in which much light is
thrown on the Ancient Topography of Munster ; and also on the Habits and Customs of
the Fenian Chieftains.

III. Cóttu]5eAcc ObiATinjuftA Ui t5buiboe Asuf Bbn*^!')')©. T)5Í<") Cbott-
tijujc Tijeic 2li|tc ; or, an Account of the Pursuit of Diarmuid O'Duibhne
and Grace, the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt, Monarch of Ireland in the
Third Century, who was married to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, from whom
she eloped with 'Diarmuid. To them are ascribed the Leaba Caillighes
(Hags' Beds), so numerous in Ireland. Edited by Standish Haybs
O'Gkady, Esq., President of the Society.

BOOKS IN PREPARATION.

I. A VOLUME OF OSSIANIC POEMS. To be edited by the
Secretary.

II. ZlsAlUti) i)A SeA«)5i|ti6e ; or, the Dialogue of the Sages : an His-
torical Work in Prose and Poetry, full of rare information on the
achievements of the Fianna Eirionn ; copied from a vellum manuscript
of the Fourteenth Century, now deposited in the Bodleian Library,
Oxford. To be edited by John Windele, Esq,

III. Caz ibiotji) Citi^5A ; or, an Account of the Battle fought at Ventry
in the county of Kerry, in the Third Century of the Christian era, be-
tween Daire Donn, Monarch of the World, and the Fenians. To be
edited by the Rev. James Goodman, A.B.

This Battle lasted for 366 days; the copy at the disposal of the Society is the earliest
known to exist, having been copied from a vellum manuscript of the fourteenth century,
now deposited in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

IV. Cac CbnocA ; • or, the Battle of Castleknock, in the county of
Dublin, fought A.D. 273, between Conn Ceadchathach, i.e., Conn of the
Hundred Battles, and the Clanna Morna ; by his victory in which. Conn
obtained the Sovereignty of three Provinces in Ireland, viz. Connaught,
Ulster, and Leinster. To be edited by the Rev. Thaddeus O'Mahony.

This tract is copied from a manuscript made by John Murphy of Carrignavar, in the
county of Cork, A.D. 1725, and from the fame of the writer as a scribe, no doubt is
entertained of the acciu-acy of the text.

12

V. Cívjt) bó CbuAilsije ; or, the Great Cattle Spoil of Cuailgne
(Cooley), in the county of Louth, being a Plistory of the Seven Years'
War between Ulster and Counaught ; in the reign of Mcadhbh, Queen
of Counaught, and Conchobhar Mac Nessa, king of Ulster, on account
of the famous bull called Donn Chuailgne ; and which terminated, ac-
cording to Roderic O'Flalierty, the Irish chronologist, one year before
the Christian era. Now editing by William Hackett, Esq.

This very ancient and curious tract comprises three hundi-ed closely-written folios, and
contains many interesting details of Mythological Incidents, Pillar Stones, Ogham In-
criptions, Tulachs, War Chariots, Leanan Sighes, Mice and Cat Incantations. Together
with an account of the Mysterious War Weapon used by Cuchullainn, called Gath Bolg ;
also Some Account of the early Christian Missionaries in Ireland, and the privileges
enjoyed by the cliief bard.

VI. A TRACT ON THE TOPOGRAPHY OF IRELAND ; from
the Psalter Mac Richard Butler, otherwise called " Saltar na Rann,"
(which appears from the handwriting to be much more ancient than any
other part of the volume), containing the Derivation of the Names,
Local Traditions, and other remarkable circumstances, of the Hills,
Mountains, Rivers, Caves, Cams, Rocks, Tulachs, and Monumental
remains of Pagan Ireland, but more especially those connected with
the deeds of Fionn Mac Chumhaill. To be edited by Professor

CONNELLAN.

Psalter Mac Richard Butler was originally written for Edmond, son of Richard Butler
commonly called " Mac Richard," but on his defeat by Thomas, the eighth Earl of Des-
mond, (who was beheaded in 1467), near the banks of the River Suir, where greatnumbers
of the Butlers' followers were drowned and slain, the book fell into the hands of this
Thomas, and was afterwards the property of Sir George Carew, EUzabeth's President of
Munster ; but finally came into the hands of Archbishop Laud, who bequeathed it to the
Bodleian Library, Oxford, where it is now preserved, and the Society have permission to
make transcripts of its contents.

VII. A TRACT ON THE GREAT ACTIONS OF FINN MAC
CUMUAILL, copied from the Psalter of Mac Richard Butler. To
be edited by the Rev. Ulick J. Bourke, of St. Patrick's College,
Maynooth.

VIII. A MEMORIAL ON THE DAL-CASSIAN RACE, and the
Divisions of Thomond at the Invasion of the English, A.D. 1172 : to
which is annexed a Short Essay on the Fenii or Standing Militia of
Ireland ; also. Remarks on some of the Laws and Customs of the Scoti,
or Autient Irish, by the late Chevalier O'Gorman; presented to the
Society for publication by J. R. Joli, Esq., LL.D., Rathmines.

These manuscripts contain a list of the several families of the Macnamaras, who were
named from the houses or lands of inheritance they severally enjoyed ; al.so a list of the
several castle.i in the baronies of Bnnratty and Tulla, with the names of the persons who
erected them.

SOCIETIES IN CONNECTION.

1. The Architectdral and Arch^ological Society of Buck-

ingham. Rev. A. Newdigate, Aylesbury, Honorary Secretary.

2. The Architectdral Societt of the Archdeaconry of Nor-

thampton AND the Counties of York and Lincoln ; and the
Architectural and Abchjeological Society of Bedford-
shire AND St. Albans. Rev. H. D. Nicholson, M.A. St.
Albans, Herts, Honorary Secretary.

3. The Cambrian Institute. R. Mason, Esq. High-street, Ten-

by, Treasurer.

4. The Cambridge Antiquarian Society. Chas. C. Babington,

Esq., M.A., Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, Treasurer.

5. The Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire. Rev.

A. Hume, D.C.L., LL.D., F.S.A., St. Georges, Liverpool,
Honorary Secretary.

6. The Kilkenny and South-East of Ireland Abch^ological

Society. Rev. James Graves, A.B., and John George
Augustus Prim, Esq., Kilkenni/, Honorary Secretaries.

7. The Suffolk Institute of Archaeology. Samuel Tymms,

Esq. F.S.A., Bury St. Edmunds, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.

8. The Society of Antiquaries of London. John Y. Akebman,

Esq., F.S.A., Somerset House, London, Secretary.

9. The Society OF Antiquaries of Newcastle- upon-Tyne. Jqhn

Adamson, Esq. The Castle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Secretary.

10. The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. John Stuart,
Esq. General Registry House, Edinburgh, Secretary.

11. The Surrey Arch^ological Society. George Bish Webb,
Esq. 6, Southampton-street. Covent Garden, London, Honorary
Secretary.

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INTRODUCTION.

T is not for several reasons proposed to dis-
cuss here, beyond making a few necessary-
remarks, the age and authorship of the various
Irish compositions known by the generic name
of Fenian : amongst others, because the sub-
ject is one that could not possibly be fairly
handled in a mere introduction. When, there-
fore, Oisin is spoken of as the author of that
body of poems which bears his name, it must
be understood that no assumption is made,
and no law laid do-v\ai, but merely a tradition stated.

To the reader who has ever asked from a real desii'e for
information that question which is all but invariably heard
when mention is made of the Irish language before the un-
initiated — Is there any thing to read in Irish ? — it may be
acceptable to learn somewhat more fully and more defi-
nitely than is often convenient in conversation, the nature
and extent of at least one branch of our native literature,
that which the Ossianic Society l^s undertaken as far as
may be to rescue from obscm'ity.

The Fenian compositions, then, consist of prose tales
and of poems. It is lawful to call them collectively

IG

" Fenian," since the deeds and adventures of the Fenian
warriors are equally the theme of the tales and of the
poems ; but to these latter alone belongs the name " Ossi-
anic," for Oisin is traditionally regarded as their author,
whereas the prose tales are not attributed to him. The
poems are known among the peasantry of the Irish dictricts
as " Sgeulta Fiannuigheaclita," Stories of the Fenians ; and
moreover as " Agallamh Oisin agus Phadruig," The dia-
logue of Oisin and Patrick ; for Oisin is said to have re-
cited them to the Saint in the latter days, virhen, the glory
of the Fenians having departed for ever, he alone of them
survived; infirm, blind, and dependent upon the bounty
of the first Christian missionaries to Ireland. We do not
learn whether those pious men eventually succeeded in
thoroughly converting the old warrior-poet ; but it is plain
that at the time when he yielded to the Saint's frequent re-
quests that he would tell him of the deeds of his lost com-
rades, and accordingly embodied his recollections in the
poems which have descended to us, the discipline of Chris-
tianity sat most uneasily upon him, causing liim many
times to sigh and wearily to lament for the harp and the
feast, the battle and the chace, which had been the delight
and the pride of the vanished years of his strengtli. These
indications of a still imtamed spirit of paganism St, Pa-
trick did not allow to pass uncorrected, and we find his
reproofs, exhortations, and threats interspersed throughout
the poems, as also his questions touching the exploits of
the Fenians^ (vid. the Battle of Gahhi*a) ; and whatever
period or author be assigned to the Ossianic poems, cer-
tainly nothing can be better or more naturally expressed

' It will be for those wlio may at any time seek to deterininc the age
and source of these poems, to consider whether these passages be p;irt
of tlie originals, or later interpolations ; for on this of course much de-
pends.

17

than tlie objections and repiuing's whicli the aged desolate
heathen opjioses to tlie arguments of the holy man.

Thus far a few words on the name and general character
of these poems. As to their number here follows a list
which is not indeed offered as by any means perfect or
complete, but which contains the names of those which are
most popular, and which are found in most manuscript
collections ; and though some poems be not enumerated
therein, it is hoped that it will suffice for the information
of those who, not being Irish scholars, yet have some cu-
riosit}" in these matters, for the use of whom these remarks
are intended. These, then, are the chief poems of Oisin__
the s on ofJFionn the_son of Cumhall. with the number of
r anns o v sta nzas in each, v iz. : —

Agallamli Oisin agus Phadruig* — The Dialogue of Oisin
and Patrick (199). Cath Chnuic an air^— The Battle of %
Knockanaur (80). Teacht Mheargaigh go h-Eiriim — The )^
coming of Meargach to Erin (2:37). Caoidh mhna Mhear- i^
gaigli — The Lamentation of the wife of Meargach (0(3). '
Anmanna na b-priomldaochra do bhi ar Chnoc an air — Th«^
names of the chief warriors who were at Knockanaur (20).
Anmanna'na g-con agus na n-gadliar do bhi ag an bh-Feinn
ag fagbhail Chnuic an air — The names of the stag-hounds
and hounds which the Fenians had when leaving Knock a-

' It will be remarked that this name is liere assigned to a single poem ;
it is so called in manuscripts, because it is the opening piece of the
Ossianic poems, commencing with an exhortation from Patrick to Oisin
to arise and listen to the orisons of the monks, and consisting through-
out of a conversation between the saint and the bard. Nevertheless, as
has been said above, the whole corpus of Ossianic poems are called
Agallamh Oisin agus Phadruig as well.

2 Cnoc an air, i.e. the hill of slaughter, in the County of Kerry. It
still bears the name, which is anglicised as in the text. This and the
four following poems, which also relate to tlsis battle, are perhaps the
most generally admired among the people.

';(C<t/*i

0vr^^7^?c<£^luX»^ i>>- "H^ /Vuí<-pv*.^^ Cv^</^^^ ^t^t>í/^«»KÍ^ 5.

Oi^ ^^^u-ux ^ yLcuj oU<, c*^i^ 7t<r ^^t-^^-'i'-i^-^ <5<-^-^il.^r^

18

>L nam* (7o). Laoidh na seilgc — Tlie lay of the cliafo (81).

^Ccnj^ú^'^ ^Radlijjji.iji:baii-3-T he testing oí' the w onion (120). k^calg*

^ Sleibhe Fuaid— Tlie chace of Slieve Fuaid (198). Sealg-

< Ghleanna Smoil — The chace of Glenuasmol (83). Sealg-

< Locha Lein — The chace at Loch Lein (50). _Laoidl i an
K, Deii-g- — Th e lay of Dea rg-, i.e . the red one (7o). Laoidh

Airchinn mhic Chi'onnchair — The lay of Aircheann son of

K Cronnchar (27). Laoidh Dhiarniada Bhrice — The lay of

r i£ai^/ / Dianniiid of Brice (30). Laoidh an duirn — the song of

:■: '^ct t''-^'^ the fist (oO ). Laoidli Chah an dasain — The lay of Cab an

dasain (57). Laoidli_Loin mhic Liomhtha — The lay of Lon

''^ mac Liomhtha (44). Mai-hlirann Osg-air — Tliedcat h-song

"'^ \j(^ of Oscar (77). J^aqidh naCoii Dui bhe — Th e lay of the

black stag-Tiound (.57). Laoidh Oisin ar tliir na n-og.

Oisin 's lay of the land of the yonng (147). Tuarnsgabliail^^

^ chatlia Gabhra— -T hejiccoiint of tjic battle of Gabhra (88).

^ Caoidh Oisin a n-diai^h na Feiime-— Oisin's Lamentation after

^ the Fenians (159), JTeacht Chonnlaoich go h-Eirinn — The

coming of Connlaoc hto Erin (^28). _Caoidh Chongciilainn a

w _ji-diaigha nihic-— C uchullainn's Lamentat ion for his son (11).

V Toitean tighe Ffainn — The burni ng of the hou se jof Fionn

X i'oQ)- SgeuluigheachtChaoiltod'Osgar — Caoilte's narratioiP

K to Oscar (82). J^aoidh Thailcjiihic_Threoin— The lay of

y^ Talc macTreon (23). Sealg Sleibhe g-Crot — The chace of

K ^ j Slieve Grot (72). Laoidh M h agl m u i s righ Loch[ahin —

The ]ay_ of M agnus king of Lochlanii^ (40). Comhrac_

Chuirrill agus Ghoill mhic Mhonia— The cqinba t of Cuir-

rioll andGojljnac Morn a (38}. Comhr ac na Feiiine agus

mhic righ iia_Sorcha niar_ghcall_ar_inghni_ri^h Thire Jo

thuimi^he combat of the Fenians and the son of the

"king~o?~5orcTi£^

thuinn (40). Comhrac Mhaghnuia m hic righ Loc hjainn—
The combat of Magnus _sqn of the king of Lochlann (32).
Agallamh Eibhir re Conall Ccarnach — The Dialogue of

Is

■N

19

Eibliea r with Coiuill Coaruacli (85). Catli an bhairf — The
battle of death (o4). Cath na suh-g-lie — The battle of the
wooing (105).'

The total number of stanzas in these poems ig^594j^
^n d as each stanza is a qu atrain, we ha ve 10,376 lines or
verses.

The prose romances of the Irish were very numerous ;
for as Dr. 0' Donovan tells us in his introduction to the
Battle of Mag-h Rath,* it is recorded in a vellum manu-
script in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, that the
four superior orders of poets, that is to say, the Ollamh,
the Anruth, tlie Cli, and the Cano, were obliged to have
iseven times fifty cliief stories, and twice fifty sub-stories,
for the entertainment of Idngs and chiefs : of which stories
the manuscript referred to gives the names.

Of these and many other tales a number probably never
were committed to writing, but lived in the mouth of the
bards ; whilst the manuscripts which contained others are
no longer to be found, having either already perished ut-
terly, or being even now in process of decay in some dusty
comer of one or other of the vast continental libraries.'

' The Irish names of the poems have been purposely printed in the
Roman character for the convenience of Scotch Gaelic scholars, should
these pages chance to be seen by any such.

2 Printed with translation and notes for the Irish Archceological So-
ciety. DubUn: 1842.

2 In the story of the Battle of Magh Rath, Congal Claen in his me-
trical conversation with Ferdoraan, boasting of the prowess of the Ul-
tonians, mentions the following battles and triumphs, viz. The Battle
of Rathain, of Ros na righ, of Dumha Beinne, of Edar, of Finnehar-
adh : the first day which Conchobhar gave his sons, the taking of the
three Maels of Meath by Fergus, the seven battles around Cathair Coq-
rui, the plundering of Fiamuin mac Forui, the plundering of Curoi
with the seventeen sons of Deaghaidii, the breach of Magh Mucbruime,
the bloody defeat by Conall Cearnach. Of the grei^uer part of these
events Dr. O'Dc^ovan says that there is no record extant, and of one
or two a short mention is made in the Book of Lcinster ; but as the two

Some stories, again,' are as yet known only to tlic rciulor
of tlie Book of Leinstcr. tlie Book of Lisniore, the Leal)liar
na li-Uidhre (Book of tlie Dun Cow), and otlier rare and
unique manuscripts; which after many vicissitudes and
narrow escapes, have at hist found a safe and dignified rest-
ing- place for their venerable age in the Libraries of Trinity
College, Dublin, of the Royal Irish Academy, of the British
Museum, and in the Bodleian.

But those stories which are as yet comparatively un-
known and which relate to other than the deeds of Fionn
and his men, may be for the present dismissed ; and we
proceed forthwith to enumerate the Fenian tales which to
this day live among the people, and are known as Each-
traidhe, (Adventures), hence marvellous histories or le-
gends. They are as follows, and their titles will suffici-
ently explain the subject of each.
\_ An bhruighean chaorthainn — The Enchanted fort of the

quicken tree. Bruighean Cheise corainn — The Enchanted
fort of Ceis corann. liruighean bheag na h-Almhauie —
The little enclianted fort of Almhain. Bruighean Eochaidh
bhig dheirg — The Enchanted fort of Eochaidli beag the red.
Toruighcacht Shaidhbhe inghion Eoghain oig — The Pursuit
of Sadlibh daughter of Eoghan og. Toruigheact an gliiolla
dcacair agus a chapaill — The Pursuit of the CJiolla Deacnir

last niimed battles form the subject of separate roraaneea whicli are well
known at tlie present day, we may conclude that similar accounts at one
time existed of all the otiiers, the loss of whieli is to be accounted for
as above.

' Such as Tain Bo Cuailgnc, or the ("altle-spoil of Cuailgne, fof whieli
very few modern copies are to be found), in Leabliar na h-Uidhre; the
demolition of Bruighean da Berga in the same and in two otlier old ma-
nuscripts- Also the stories of tlie magical cauldrons at Bruighean Blai
Bruga, at Bruighean Forgaill Monach, at Bruiglican niic Ceaclit, at
Bruighean mic Datiio, and at Bruighean da cliogn. All these tales are
mentioned in the battle of Magh Kath, and the information as to the
books in which tiiey are preserved is derived from Dr. O'Donovan's notes.

21

and liis horse. Toruig-lieacht Diarmuda agiis Glirainne —
The Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne. Oidheadli an
mhacaoimli mhoir, mac righ na h-Easpaine — The Death
of the tall youth the son of the king of Spain. Oidlieadh
Chonnlaoich — The Death of Connlaoch. Feis tighe Cho-
nain — The Assemhly at the house of Conan. Eachtra
Lomnoehtain t-Sleibhe Riife — the Legend of Lomnochtan
of Sliabh Riife. Eachtra Cheadaigh mhoir — The Legend
of Ceadach mor. Gath thulaighe na n-each — The Battle
of Tulach na n-cach (the hill of horses). Cath Fionntra-
g-ha— The Battle of Ventry. Cath Chnucha— The Battle of
Cnuclia (Castleknock near Dublin). Cath Mhuighe Mlmch-
ruime — The Battle of Magh Muchruime. lonnsaighidh
Mhuig'he Leana — The Attack of Magh Leana. Brisleach
Mhuighe Mhuirtheimlmc — The Breach of Magh Muir-
theimhne. DeargTuathar Chonaill Chearnaigh — The Bloody
defeat by Conall Cearnach. Cuire Mhaoil Ui Mhananain go
d-ti Fiannaibh Eirionn — The Invitation of Maol the grand-
son of Mananan to the Fenians of Erin. Eachtra_bhodaigk
an chota lachtna — Legend of the churl of the yellow coat.
Oileamhain Chongculainn — The Education of Cuchullainn.
Comhrac Fheardhiaidh agus Chongcullainn — The Combat
of Feardliiadh and Cuchullainn. Nualldubhadh Giliolla
Oluim a n-diaigh a chloinnc — The Lamentation of Olioll
Oluim after his children. Bas na g-curaidheadh — The
Death of the heroes. Agallamh na Seanorach — The Dia-
logue of the Sages.

Equally popular and well knoAvn are the following tales,
which though written in the same style, do not relate to
the Fenians : —

Toruigheacht Cheallaclumi Chaisil — The Pursuit for the
recovery of Ceallachan of Caiseal (from the Danes). Cath
Chrionna — The Battle of Crionna. Cath Chluana tarbh —
The Battle of Cluan tarbh (Clontarf), which are embellished

22

accounts oí historical incidents, and their age may probably
be estimated relatively as the dates of the events which they
record.' Oidheadli cliloinne Tuirinn — The death of the
children of Tuireann. Oidheadli chloinne Lir — The Death
of the children of Lear. Oidheadh chloinne Uisnigh^ —
The Death of the children of Uisneach. Eachtra Thoirdh-
calbhaigh mhic Stairn — The Legend of Turloch son of
IStarn (the king of Lochlann's nephev\r). Eachtra chloinne
Tlioirdhealbhaigh mhic Stairn — The Legend of the children
of Turloch son of Stani. These relate to the Tuatha De
Danann and their domination in Ireland, except the thii'd,
which is a story of the Milesians. The first-named three
Ibrm a triad, which has for ages been known as " Tri tru-
agha na sgeuluigheachta" — or, The three sorrows of story,
i.e. the three tragical romances.

Lastly, there are some stories which seem to be mere
eftbrts of the imagination, tlie name and pedigree of one
or more of the chief actors indeed being historical, but all
the accessory characters and incidents manifestly fictitious.
In these we meet with kings of Greece, of Spain, of Gaul,
of Ireland, of Scotland, of Britain, and of Scythia, indis-
criminately plundering and slaying one another, and visit-
ing each other's territories on business or pleasure with as

* Of some of these legends no ancient copies are now known to exist ;
but to speak generally, the history of one may perhaps be applied to
all. Thus the Battle of Magh Ilatli was fought A.D. 637, of which
there is authentic historic record in tlic Annals of Tighcrnach, the
Chronicon Scotorum, and the Annals of the Four Masters. The oldest
copy of the romance of this battle is in a manuscript of the XV century ;
but the language and other internal evidence combine to shew that the
story, as it lias come to us, was compiled in the XII century, and various
hints and quotations of the author leave uo doubt that he again had
more ancient manuscripts before liim, the age of which is undetermined.

* This tale is published in the Transactions of the Gaelic Society of
Dublin, 1808.

23

luucli facility as they might in the present days of improved
locomotion ; whilst many names occur in them which are
plainly borrowed from the history of the later Roman Em-
pire. Asia also and Africa are frequently mentioned.
Such are — Eachtra chloinne righ na h-Iorruaidhe — The
Legend of the cliildren of the king of lorruadh. Eachtra
ghiolla an fhiugha — The Legend of Giolla an fliiugha.
Eachtra Chonaill Golbajn— The Legend of Conall of Gol-
ban. Eachtra mhic an lolair — The Legend of the son of
the eagle. Eachtra an mhadra nihaoil — The Legend of
the cropped dog. Eachtra lollainn airmdheirg — The Le-
gend of lollann of the red weapons.

These would seem to be the most modern of all our
stories ; in some of which Irish characters do not occur at
all, but the chiefs and warriors of other legends are re-
placed by foreign knights and esquires,' that is to say, by
champions so called indeed, but in thought and act as tho-
roughly Celtic as Fionn mac Cumhaill lumself and his
mighty men.

Some account having been already given in the Intro-
duction to the Battle of Gabhra of the manner in which
the Ossianic poems have been preserved, and of the pro-

' Adhering to the purpose of not deeply investigating the age of these
productions, we may yet suggest one or two queries. Such legends as
the last mentioned were clearly written after the Normans had made
known to the Irish the institutions of chivalry, which were not indige-
nous to the Gael — is it fanciful to suppose, since we find such frequent
mention of Europe, Asia, and Africa, also of "the three divisions of
the world," that the imaginative narrator would have introduced the
New World as well had it been discovered in his day, hence that the
stories were written befoi-e 1492, or at all events before 1500? Again,
the Legend of the Cropped Dog is of King Arthur and the knights of
the Round Table, and the name of Arthur occurs in the legend of loll-
ann — whence did the Irish derive their knowledge of these personages,
was it from the Welsh colonists in Ireland, or from the Norman books
of chivalry ?

7 V>t' r ^

04

g:ressive changes which the language of them has under-
gone ; we shall say no more here. on the subject, but con-
fine the rest of our remarks to the prose tales.'

The history of Ireland may be roughly, but for our pur-
pose conveniently, divided into three periods. The pre-
historic or mythic, in which we are lost and bewildered in
the maze of legends of the Fii-bolgs, Tuatha De Dananu,
and Milesians, and which may be said to extend to the
Christian era ;^ the elder historic, from the Christian era

' Tliat is to those of wliich the nnntes have been cited above, which
are the greater part of wliat have remained current among the people
in modern times.

2 Far be it to deprive of all claim to truth such parts of our history
as profess to record wliat happened in Ireland before the birth of our
Lord ; because from the singular continuity, accuracy, and minuteness,
with which annals, genealogies, and historical poems are known to have
been compiled by monks and the hereditary historians of the great native
chiefs, even from the Vth century until the early part of the XVIIth,
thus testifying to the natural bent of the Gael to preserve their own
history ; it is probable that the primitive Trisli did not neglect to trans-
mit true records of some kind to their posterity. Whether they were
acquainted with the art of writing, as some maintain ; or whether by
the Ogham, and poems orally preserved. Yet who shall thoroughly
discern the truth from the fiction with which it is every where entwined,
and in many places altogether overlaid ? The word mythic also applies in
great measure to the earlier portion of the elder historic period. This
note is appended to sootii the indignant feelings of those, (if such there
be at this day), who stickle for the truth of every the most ancient parti-
cle of Irish history, and who may not relish any doubts thrown upon the
reasonableness of their cherislied dreams of the past. There was at one
time a vast amount of zeal, ingenuity, and research, expended on the
elucidation and confirming of these fables ; which, if properly applied,
would have done Irish History and Archaiology good service, instead of
making their very names synonymous among strangers with fancy and
delusion. The Irish Annalists confined themselves to bare statements
of facts, never digressing ; hence we find fable set Sown as gravely as
truth. What trouble would have been saved to their modern readers
had they done as Herodotus, wlio in relating a more than usually great
marvel, is wont significantly to tell us that he only gives it as he heard

25

to the English invasion, A.D. 1170 ; and the later historic
from 1170 to the present-time. And it is cm-ious that the
two firtit periods furnish all the legends which nniversally
and most vividly prevail at this day, whilst the third is
only, so to speak, locally remembered. Tims in connec-
tion with the castles and passes of Thomond, there abound
amongst the natives of that district stories of the O'Briens
and Mac Namaras ; but out of their own country, who
remembers them ? The peasants of Innis Eoghain (Innis-
howen) and Th* Chonnaill (Tirconnell) have by no means
forgotten the O'Donnells and O'Neills ; but who hears of
them in Munster ? And about GlengarriiT 'Sullivan Beare
is yet spoken of; whilst in Leinster you will hear the
praises of the O'Byrnes, O'Mores, and O'Tooles, the But-
lers, Fitzgeralds, and Fitzpatricks. But even such le-
gends as we have of all these ; of Cromwell ; and of the
Revolutionary war of 1688; besides being localised, are
mere vague and isolated anecdotes, compared to the accu-
rate and circumstantial reminiscences wliich survive of
those far more remote ages. How is this ? It is not that
these men's deeds were coniuied to their own localities, for

it. It may grieve some that so many of us now hesitate to receive
as valid those genealogies by means of which, thanks to the ingenious
fancy of our ancient bards, (who upon the introduction of Christianity
freely borrowed from the Mosaic history), every Gael living in the year
1856, be he a kilted Mac Donald, or a frieze-coated O'Neill, can deduce
his descent step by step from Adam ; that is, providing the last five or
six generations be remembered, for in these latter days pedigrees have
been sadly neglected. There are now also many good Irishmen, who do
not consider that the date or details of the various influxes from Scythia
and Iberia into Ireland are as trustworthy as those of the Peninsular war,
or of other modern events; but let the destruction of these illusions be
compensated by the reflection, that it is now established in the eyes of
the learned world that the Irish possess, written by themselves, and in
their own primitive and original language, more copious and more an-
cient materials for an authentic history than any nation in Europe.

20

the Irkli chiefs were accustomed to visit their neig-hbours
without regard to distance. O'Donuell marched from Do-
negal to Kinsale to light Queen Elizabeth's forces, besides
other expeditions into Munster ; Red Owen O'Neill defeat-
ed the English in a general action of great importance at
Benburb in 1640, as Hugh O'Neill had done before in 1597
at Druimfliuch ; and 'Sullivan Beare cut his way with a
small number of men from Glengarriif to a friendly chief
in Lcitrim in 1002 ^ It is not that the knowledge of these
deeds was not diffused throughout the country ; for Annals
were kept in Irish do^vn to 1030, when the Four Masters
wrote in the Convent of Donegal ; to which place was con-
veyed to them, by some means, accurate intelligence of all
that happened in the most remote parts of Ireland. Poets
also continued for many years later to sing loudly in praise
of their patron warriors. Perhaps it may be accounted for
by the events of the later historic period not having been
embodied in romances, like those of the other two. Yet still
we have " Caithreim Thou'dhealbhaigh," or The Triumphs
of Tnrlough O'Brien, being a narrative of the wars of
Thomond written by John Mac Rory Mac Grath in 1459;
perfectly authentic indeed, but in number of epithets and
bombast of expression far outdoing any of the romances,
being in fact the most florid production in the language ;

' Tliis feat ií9 commemorated in Munster by a wild and well known
pipe-tune, called " Mairscail Ili Shuilliobhain go Liatlidruim", —
O" Sullivan's march to Leitrim. Terliaps no chief of the latter agea
enjoys a clearer or more wide-spread traditionary fame than JIurrough
O'Hrien, Baron of Inchiquin, who sided with Queen Elizabeth in what
Philip O'SuUivan calls the Belliim quindecim annorum. His severity and
ravages earned him the name of " Murchadh an toiteain"— or, Mur-
rough of the conflagration, and throughout Munster they still commonly
say of a man who is, or appears to be frightened or amazed, " Do chon-
nnirc sc Murchadh no an tor do b'fhoigse dlio" — i.e., he lias seen Mur-
rough or the bush next liim.

97

aiul it has not become popular, nor is it comparatively
known. This cannot be attributed to the antiquity of the
language ; for in the first place, the language of 1459
Avritten without pedantry' would be intelligible to Irish
Speakers of the present day, with the exception of a few
forms and words wliich have become obsolete ; and in tlie
next place, old inflections, as they fell into disuse, would
have been replaced by newer, and words which from the
obsoleteness of the things to which they related might
have become obscure, would have been explanied by tra-
dition. All this has taken place in the case of the Ossianic
poems,^ and of the romances now popular ; many of which
are undoubtedly very old,^ such as " The Three Sorrows of
Story," the Battle of Magh Muirtheimhne, and the Battle

' Keating, who was born in 1570, and wrote shortly after 1600, is
perfectly intelligible at this day to a vernacular speaker, his work being
the standard of modern Irish in orthography and the forms of words;
whereas the Four Masters, who wrote in 1G36, and Duald Mac Firbis,
who wrote in 1650 — 1666, employ so many constructions and words
which even in their day had been long obsolete, that a modern Irish
speaker must make a special study of the Grammar and of glossaries
before he can understand them.

2 Vide p. 16 et seq. of the introduction to the Battle of Gabhra, where
extracts from ancient manuscripts are compared with tlie corresponding
passages of the poems now current.

» It is a pity that O'Flauagan when he published what he calls " The
Historic tale of the death of the sons of Usnach," did not mention the
manuscript from which he took it, and its date. However, the best
authorities agree in referring the story itself to the Xllth century. The
Romantic tale on the same subject, which he gives also, is the version
now current ; nor does he say wliere he got it. Some forms are in a
trifling degree more old-fashioned than those of tlie very modern copies ;
tlie orthography very much more so than that of the oldest copies of
Keating : but that may be attributed to O'Flanagan's desire to abolish
the rule of " caol le caol agus leathan le leathan," (for the last three
centuries the great canon of Gaelic orihograpliy), whicli may have led
him to spell according to his own system.

of (^lontarf, which is attributed to Mac Liag the bard of
-Brian Boruiiiha. In these indeed, as in all the stories,
there are abundance of words no longer used in conversa-
tion ; but which are understood by the context, or which
in districts where such pieces are read, there is always some
Ir'ishian sufficiently learned to explain.' Hence the reader
who speaks Irish may have often heard a labourer in the
lield discoursing ex cathedra of the laws and the weapons
of the Fenians, and detailing to liis adniii'ing and credulous
hearers the seven qualifications requii'ed by them in a
newly-admitted comrade. But the customs of the later
chiefs ; their tanistry, their coigny, and livery, ttc, are
but dimly remembered here and there, and the terms of
their art have resumed theii* primary sense, their technical
meanmg being forgotten. Thus Caonugheacht at present
simply means cattle, but at one time denoted those parti-
cular cattle which a chief drove from his neighbour in a
creach or foray, together with the staff of followers who
were retained and armed in a peculiar manner for tlie
driving of them,^ and Ceatharnack, which meant a light-
armed soldier, (as distinguished Irom the Galloglach, gal-
lowglass or heavy-armed man), now signifies merely a bold
reckless fellow, and as a term of reproach, or in jest, a
robber and vagabond.^

' The term Irhhian may possibly be new to some. It is among tlie
peasantry the Anglo-Hibernian equivalent of the word Gaoidheihjeoir,
a personal noun derived from Gaoidheilg, the Gaelic or Irish language ;
and means one learned in that tongue, or who can at all events read and
write it ; which simple accomplishments, in the neglected state of that
ancient idiom, sufRce to est.ablish a reputation for learning amongst
those who can only speak it.

2 This word is anglicised to creaght by the English writers on Irish
affairs, of the XVIth and XVIIth centuries. Dr. U'lJonovan mentions
in a note to the Four Masters that tliis latter meaning of the word is
still known in the County of Donegal.

* The Englisli writers style a light Irish soldier a hern, \>\. htrne ;

29

To end this digression, whatever it may be that lias given
vitality to the traditions of the mythic and ehler historic
jieriods, they have survived to modern times ; when they
have been formed into large manuscript collections, of
wliich the commonest title is " Bolg an t-salathair," an-
swering to " A comprehensive miscellany," These were for
the most part written by professional scribes and school-
masters, and being then lent to or bought by those who
could read but had no leisure to write, used to be read
aloud in farmers' houses on occasions when numbers were
collected at some employment, such as wool-carding in the
evenings ; but especially at wakes. Thus tlie people l)e-
came familiar with all these tales. The wi-iter has heard a
man who never possessed a manuscript, nor heard of
O'Flanagan's publication, relate at tlie fireside the death of
the sons of Uisneach without omitting one adventure, and
in great part retaining the very words of the written ver-
sions. Nor is it to 1)6 supposed that these manuscripts,
tliough written in modern Irish, are in the mere colloquial
dialect — any more than an English author now writes ex-
actly as he converses. The term modem may be applied
to the language of the last tlu'ee centuries, when certain
inflections and orthogTaphical rules obtained, which have
since held their ground ; and the manuscripts we speak of,
though acbnitting some provincialisms, many of which are
differences of pronunciation.' (especially in-tlie temiinations

which they have taken wrongly from ceithern, pi. ceitheirne, which is a
noun of multitude. In Scotland it has been better rendered by catteran.
Cormac says that the original meaning is one who plunders in war (O'Reilly
sub voce), and that certainly was their employment — and in peace too.

' Thus a Munster manuscript will have chugham (to me) where a
northern one will have chugam ; the latter being the correct form ; and
again, do tugag (was given) for the northern do tagamh ; the literate
form being do tugadh. But this is a mere idiosyncrasy of pronunciation,
which is reproduced in manuscript from want of a knowledge of ortho-

30

of verbs), moní tliau any thing else, have retained the
forms proper t<> the modern literate language as distin-
guished from tlie colloquial, such as the pre]wsition3//7' and
re (by or with), ro bha se for do hid se (he was), &c.
In some manuscripts, certainly, these distinctions have not
been observed ; but we here speak of good ones, among
which we class the two from Avhich has been derived t\w
text published in the present volume. The iirst is a book
containing a number of legends and Ossianic poems, and
entitled " Bolg an t-salathair ;" Avritten in 1780, at Cooleen,
near Portlaw in the County of Waterford, by Labhras
O'Fuarain or Lawrence Foran, a schoolmaster : and lie
apologises in a note for the imperfections of his manuscript,
alleging in excuse the constant noise and many interrup-
tions of his pupils. 1 The second is a closely written quarto
of 881 pages from the pen of Martan O'Griobhtlia, or
Martin Griffin of Kilrush, in the County of Clare, 1842-3.

graphy in the scribe ; for northern and southern will each in liis own
way read off the literate form in the above and all other cases, as easily
as if he saw his peculiar pronunciation indicated ; just as two English-
men equally understand the words said and plaid when written, thougli
one sound the ai as ar/ in day in both words, and the other as e in red
in the first, and as a in lad in the second. These peculiarities, however,
are always discarded in Irish printed works of the most modern date,
e. g. The Irish Thomas a Kempis ; except where it is desired to give a
specimen af provincialism, as is partly done in " The Poets and Poetry
of Munster," by John 0'j:)aly (Dublin, 1851). But it is to be regretted
that the Highlanders are, even in print, regulating their orthograpliy
by the peculiarities of their pronunciation, to a much greater extent
than is done in the most recent Irisli manuscripts — we mean such as may
be written in this very year. Thus the Scotch print Oran for Abhran
(a song). Some remarks will be made on Gaelic orthography in Die .id-
ditional notes at the end of the vnlnmc.

• This volume was lent for collation by the Society's Secretary, Mr.
John O'Daly, of 9, Anglcsea-street, Dublin, whose collcct'on of Irish
manuscripts is alone sufficient to keep the Society at work for tlie
next forty years or more.

31

This manuscript, wliich a few ycar.s ago came into the
Editor's possession, is caUed l^y the scribe " An Sgeulaidhe,"
i.e., The Story-teller, and is entirely devoted to Fenian
and other legends, of which it contains thirty-eight ; some
having been transcribed trom mannscripts of 1749.^

From what has been said before it will be understood
that the language of these tales in their popular form,
though not by any means ancient, is yet, when edited witli
a knowledge of orthography and a due attention to the
mere errors of transcribers, extremely correct and classical ;
being in fact the same as that of Keating. Nor is it wise
to undervalue the publication of them on the score of the
newness of their language, and because there exist more
ancient versions of some : that is, providing always that
the text printed be good and correct of its kind. On the
contrary, it seemed on this accoimt most desirable to pub-
lish them, that there have hitherto been, we may say, no
text books of the modem language,* wliilst there still are,
at home and abroad, many Irislnnen well able to read and
enjoy such were they to be had. The Fenian romances are
not, it is true, of so great an interest to those philologists
whose special pursuit it is to analyse and compare lan-
guages in their oldest phase, as the ancient Irish remains
which have been edited with so much learning and industry

1 The Editor has also, written by this industrious scribe, a smaller
quarto volume, in which are found nearly all the Ossianic poems that have
been enumerated, good copies of the Reim rioghraidhe, of the contention
of the bards, and of the Midnight Court, besides many miscellaneous
poems of the last three centuries.

2 Almost the only original work in correct Irish ever printed in the
country, was a portion of Keating's History, published by Mr. William
Haliday in 1811 ; which is both uninviting in appearance, and diíBcult
to procure. Most other Irish works have been translations, of wliich
the best undoubtedly is the translation of Thomas a Kempis, by the?' • .
Daniel A. O'iSuUivan, P.P. of Inniskeeu, County of Cork ; who :■; an
accomplished Irish scliolar and poet.

3Q

dui'ing' tlie last hv»mty years;' but tlioy will delight those
who lack time, inclination, or othcrroiiiiisitesibr that study
of gi'ammars and lexicons wliicli should prepare thcni to
understand the old writings ; and who read Irish, more-
over, for amusement and not for scientific purposes. It
has been already said that some of these legends and poems
are new versions of old ; but it is not to be supposed that
they are so in at all the same degree or the same sense as.
for instance, the modernised Canterbury Tale,^ are of
Chaucer's original work. There is this great difference,
that in the former nothing has been changed but some in-
flections and constructions, and the orthography, which has
become more fixed ; the genius and idiom of the language,
and in a very great measure the words, remaining the
same ; whilst in the latter all these have been much altered.
Again, the new versions of Chaucer are of the present day ;
whereas our tales and poems, both the modifications of
older ones, and those which in their very origm are recent,
are one with the other most proba1)ly three hundred years
old.

The style of tlie Irish romantic stories will doubtless
strike as very peculiar to those whom it is new, and it is to
be hoped that no educated Irishman wdll be found so en-
thusiastic as to set them up for models of composition —
howbeit, there is much to be considered in explanation of

' Not only in Ireland by the Rev. Dr. Todd and by Dr. O'Donovaii,
bnt on the Continent. To Zeuss belongs the lion our of having exhumed
and printed the oldest known specimens of our language. It is true that
lie was in a measure indebted for this to his more favourable situation
for visiting the monasteries of Austria and of Switzerland, and tlie
library of Milan, where these treasures lie. But for his masterly inter-
pretation of them, and the splendid system of critical and philosophical
grannnar which he has built of these materials, IGramtnaiica Celtica.
Lips. 1853], we have only to thank his ^wn great science and patience.
The unique philological training of Germany alone could produce such
a work.

33

their defects. The first thing that will astonish an English
reader is the number of epithets ; ' but we must remeinber
that these stories were composed and recited not to please
the mind only, but also the ear. Hence, adjectives, which
in a translation appear to be heaped together in a mere
chaos, are found in the original to be aiTanged upon prin-
ciples of alliteration. Nor will the number alone, but also
the incongruity of epithets frequently be notorious, so that
they appear to cancel each other like + and — quantities
in an algebraical expression. Here is an example ; being
the exordium of " the Complaint of the daughter of Gol of
Athloich :'" —

" An Arch-king, noble, honourable, wise, just-spoken, abundant,
strong, full-valiant, knowledgeable, righteous, truly-cunning, learned,
normally legal, gentle, heroic, brare-hearted, rich, of good race, of
noble manners, courageous, haughty, great-minded, deep in counsel,
lawgiving, of integrity in his sway, strong to defend, mighty to assist,
triumphant in battle, aboundiug in children, acute, loving, nobly comely,
smooth, mild, friendly, honest, fortunate, prone to attack, strong,
fiercely powerful, constantly fighting, fiercely mighty ; without pride,
without haughtiness ; without injustice or lawlessness upon the weak
man or the strong ; held the power and high-lordship over the two pro-
vinces of Munster, &c."^

The confusion and contradiction which here appear would
have been avoided, and a clearer notion of the king's cha-
racter conveyed, by arranging the epithets into proper
groups, with a few words of explanation ; somewhat in
this manner : —

" There reigned over Munster an arch-king, who as a warrior was
mighty, brave, fierce, &c , who as a ruler was equal, just, wise in

' These, however, are very sparingly used in the story of Diarmuid
compared to some others.

2 Many epithets are repeated in the translation, but this is from the
want of synonyms in English ; in the original they are all different
words. Some also, which in the Irish are compound adjectives, have
to be rendered by a periphrasis.

3

34

counsel, &c, and who to his friends and to the weak was mild, gentle,
&c."

But then the writer would have been compelled to break
up his long chain of adjectives which fell so imposingly in
the native tongue on the listener's ear, and to forego the
alliterative arrangement of them, which is this : — The first
three words in the above sentence, (a noun and two adjec-
tives), begin with vowels ; the next two adjectives with c ;
then follow three beginning with I ; five with/; tliree with
c ; three with s ; three with 771 ; three with r ; four with
c ; three with g ; four with m ; two with vowels ; and four
with b.

Alliteration was practised in poetry by the Anglo-Saxons,
but this seems attributable rather to the embryo state of
taste amongst them, and to an ignorance of what really con-
stitutes poetic beauty, than to the genius of their language ;
hence the usage did not obtain in the English, and at the pre-
sent day alliteration, whether in prose or poetry, is offensive
and inadmissable ; except when most sparingly and skilfully
used to produce a certain effect. It was, doubtless, the
same want of taste which introduced, and a want of culti-
vation which perpetuated the abuse of alliteration amongst
the Celtic nations, and prevented the bards of Ireland and
Wales from throwing off the extraordinary fetters of their
prosody' in this respect ; and it is a great evidence of the
power and copiousness of the Celtic tongues, that even thus
cramped they should have been able to move freely in
poetry. Impose the rules of prosody by which the medi-
aeval and later Celtic poets wrote upon any other modern
European language, and your nearest approach to poetry
will be nonsense-verseii ; as tlie first attempts of school-boys
in Latin verse are called, where their object is merely to
arrange a number of words in a given metre, without re-

' Which includes minute and stringent rules of assonance as well as
cf alliteration.

35

gard to senae.' Alliteration was not only abused in poetry,
but also in prose ; and indeed it may be asked whether the
introduction of it at all into the latter is not of itself an
abuse. But differently from many other languages, the ge-
nius of the Gaelic, apart from external causes, seems to impel
to alliteration, and its nmnerous synonyms invite to repe-
titions which, properly used, strengthen, and being abused,
degenerate into jingle and tautology. The Irish speakers
of the present day very commonly, for emphasis sake, use
two synonymous adjectives w^ithout a conjunction, instead of
one with an adverb, and these they almost invariably choose
so that there shall be an alliteration. Thus a very mourn-
ful piece of news will be called "Sgeul dubhach dobronach,"
or " Sgeul dubhach doilghiosach," or " Sgeul buaidheartha
bronach," in preference to " Sgeul dubhach bronach," and
other arrangements ; all the epithets having, in the above
sentences at least, exactly the same meaning. An obstinate
man that refuses to be persuaded will be called " Duine dur
dall," and not "Duine dur caoch ;" " dall" and " caoch"
alike meaning blind. Besides the alliteration, the words
are always placed so as to secm^e a euphonic cadence.
And this would denote that the alliteration of the Irish and
further proofs of theii' regard for sound, have other sources
than a vitiated taste : but it is to this latter that we must
attribute the perversion of the euphonic capabilities of the
language, and of the euphonic appreciation of its hearers,
which led to the sacrifice of sense and strength to sound ;
and this taste never having been corrected, the Irish pea-
santry, albeit they make in their conversation a pleasing

1 The Spaniards use assonant rhymes, but in a far more confined
sense than the Irish. We believe that Mr. Ticlcnor states in the preface
to his " Spanish Literature," that Spanish is the only European language
which employs these rhymes. But those who will read " Cuirt au
mheadhoin oidhche," will not readily allow this.

36

and moderate use of alliteration and repetition, yet admire
the extravagance of the bombast of these romances. An-
other quality of the Irish also their coiTupt taste caused to
run riot, that is their vivid imagination, which forthwith
conspired With their love of euphony to heap synonym on
synonjnn. It is well known how much more strong:ly even
an English-speaking Irishman will express himself than an
Englishman : where the latter will simply say of a man,
" He was making a great noise ;" the other will tell you
that " He was roaring and screeching and bawling about
the place." Sometimes this liveliness becomes exceedingly
picturesque and expressive : the writer has heard a child
say of one whom an Englishman would have briefly called
a half-starved wretch, " The breath is only just in and out
of him, and the grass doesn't know him walking over it."
Had these peculiar qualifications of ear and mind, joined
to the mastery over such a copious and sonorous language
as the Gaelic, been gmided by a correct taste, the result
would doubtless have been many strikingly beautiful pro-
ductions both in prose and verse. As it is the writings of
Keating are the only specimens we have of Irish composi-
tion under these conditions. Of these, two, being theolo-
gical, do not allow any great scope for a display of style ;
but his liistory is remarkably pleasing and simple, being
altogether free from bombast or redundancy of expression,
and reminding the reader forcibly of Herodotus. In poetry,
perhaps the most tasteful piece in the language is, with all
its defects, "Cuirt an mheadhoin oidhche," or the Midnight
Court, written in 1781 by Bryan Merryman, a country
schoolmaster of Clare, who had evidently some general ac-
qiiiiiiitance with literature. This is mentioned to shew by
an example that alliteration, when merely an accessory,
and not the primary object of the poet, is an ornament.
These lines are from the exordium of his poem — a passage
of pure poetry : —

37

Ba gliiiath me ag siubhal le ciumliais na h-abhann,
Ar bhamsigh uir 's an drucht go trom ;
Anaice na g-co'illtcadh, a g-cu'im an t-sleibh,
Gan mhairg, gan mho'dl, ar slioillse an lae.'

How much the two last lines would suffer if written
Anaice na bh-fodhbhadk, a g-cuim an t-sleibh,
Gan aire, gan mhoill, ar shoillse an lae.

Though the assonance is preserved, and of the two words
substituted one is a sjTionym of the original, and the other,
though of a different nieanmg itself, preserves the sense of
the line as before.

The oldest specimens of Irish composition are perfectly
l)lain, and Dr. O'Donovan gives it as his opinion, (See
introd. Battle of Magh Rath), that the turgid style of
Amting was introduced into Ireland in the ninth or the
tenth century ; whence it is not known. The early annal-
ists wrote very simply, but many of the later entries in
the Annals of tlie Four Masters are in the style of the
romances.

It may be a matter of surprise to some that the taste of
the Irish writers should never have refmed itself, the more
so that the classics were known in Ireland. But though
Ave find, indeed, many men spoken of in the Annals as
learned in Latin, there is but small mention of Greek
scholars : thus it may be supposed that their acquaintance
was cliiefly with mediaeval latiiiity. Fynes Moryson men-
tions the students in the native schools as " conning over
the maxims of Galen and Hippocrates ;" the latter most
likely in some Latin version of the schoolmen ; but we do

' I was wont constantly to walk by the brink of the river,
Upon the fresh meadow-land, and the dew lying heavy ;
Along by the woods, and in the bosom of the mountain,
Without grief, without impediment, in the light of the day.

38

not hear that they studied Thucydides and Tacitus, Homer
and Virgil, who would have been more likely to elevate
their taste and style. Nor is the mere study of the classics
sufficient to purify the literature of a nation ; much else is
required, such as encouragement, and acquaintance and
comparison with the contemporary writings of other coun-
tries. These advantages the Irish authors did not enjoy.
Their only patrons were their chiefs, and this fact, together
with the reverence of the Celts for prescription, united with
other causes to confine their efforts to the composition of
panegyrical and genealogical poems, and of bare annals ;
the very kinds of writing, perhaps, which admit of the
least variety of style, and which are most apt to fall into
a beaten track. Of nature and of love our poets' did not
comparatively write much, and such remains as we have
of this kind cause us to wish for more. Of the eflect of
study of the classics, without other advantages, we have
an example in the eifusions of the poets of the last two
centuries, numbers of whom were schoolmasters, and well
read in Ilomer, Virgil, and Horace. The effect has been
merely that innumerable poems, otherwise beautiful, have
been marred by the pedantic use of classical names and
allusions, otio et negotio.

But how can we wonder, considering all adverse influ-
ences, at the defects of Irish literature, more especially in
works of fiction, when we look abroad. In the last century
the French were delighted with the romances of Scuderi,
and England was content to read them in translations until
Fielding appeared. Slavish imitations of the classics
abounded, pastorals and idyls ; and until the time of Ad-
dison' the most wretched conceits passed for poetry, and
bombast, which but for the nature of the language would,

' That is, down to the end of the sixteenth century.
5 See Macaulay'8 Eisatj on Addison.

.39

perliaps, have equalled that of the Irish romances in dic-
tion, and which many times does so in idea, for grandem*.
True, this was an age of decadence ; still if with learning,
patronage, and opportimity, stuff can be written and ad-
mired, there is excuse for many defects where all these aids
are wanting.

But, notwithstanding that so many epithets in our ro-
mantic tales are superfluous and insipid, great numbers of
them are very beautiful and quite Homeric. Such are the
following, applied to a sliip, ." wide-wombed, broad-can-
vassed, ever-dry, strongly-leaping ;" to the sea, " ever-bro-
ken, showery-topped, (alluding to the spray)" ; to the waves,
"great-thundering, howling-noisy." Some of these are quite
as sonorous and expressive as the famous ToXi/pXc/c/SoTo óa-

Throughout the Fenian literature the characters of the
various warriors are very strictly preserved, and are the
same in one tale and poem as in the other. Fionn Mac
Cumhaill, like many men in power, is variable ; he is at
times magnanimous, at other times tjTannical and petty,
and the following story does not shew him in a favorable
light. _piarmuid, Oi sin^^Oscar, , and Caoilte mac Ro naim-
are every where the xaXoi nayaki of the Fenians ; of
these we never hear any thing bad . There are several
graphic scenes in our tale, and the death of Diaiiiiuid and
his reproaches to Fionn are very well told. Some notice
of the race to which Diarmuid belonged, and of one or two
other matters besides which might reasonably have found a
place in this introduction, are unavoidably postponed to
the additional notes at the end of the volume, and for the
present we shall allow the Tale of the Pursuit of Diarmuid
and Grainne to speak for itself.

s. n. o'G.

Erinagh House, Castleconnell.
December, 1856.

coBujSDeact)?: 'DDj^ib'Zduí)?! 215US 5t)B2i,mHe.

C|teu& A6b<v|t

21 T)-Ar)r) &'a|i é]|t]37"10')í) ttjAcCbutb^iU

TTJAl&eAT) TT7OC A T)-2llrt7U^t) leACA1)-tÍ)Ó1]t

l-Ai5eAi), A5uf ]to -fu^O A|i ATj b-pAicce
b-peu]tuATrt)e ATt)ui5 5A1? sioUa 5AT)
Ó5IAC TT)A pocATji, A5uf bo leAij b^f b^
njuirjqji & .1. Ojni) tt)AC T^biw A3af

í)]0|l]tA11J5 Tt^AC í)bobAiyt Uí BbA01f5-

1)6 ; fio lAbAijt 0]]*ÍT) A5ur Ti* é |to jtívió ;
i)A n)0]c'e]]\^e x]V ojic, a "pblW ?"

' li\ i}-At)ij. This, and peAcr or reAccur Atjt) (ouce upon a time) are
very commonly the opening words of an Irish story. Modern scribes fre-
quently write U 15-Aoi) and ^eAcz i)-Aot), i.e. one day and one time, but
that is from the obsoleteness of this elliptical or absolute use of aijt).
Siliji) is used with the essential or substantive verb c^inj to denote the
state of existing. Its meaning is there, and it corresponds exactly to
the French !/, the German es and da, and the English there, in such
phrases as civ t5]A Ar}f), il y a un Dieu, es ist ein Gott, there is a God.
Zsx-\n) is often used in this sense by itself, as its equivalent is in English,
e.g. 60 bj liv VAC fteutipAó ré a leicéib, a day was when he would not have
said such a thing ; but Ann is understood. On tlie other hand ajjo is
used in the text without the verb, la tj-Aijtj, therefore, is equivalent to
liv b'A T^Alb Ai)0, of a day which was or existed.

Í Almhuin. The hill of Allen, five miles to the north of the town of
Kildare. Here was the chief abode of the kings of Leinster. A battle
was fought here A.D. 526 ;* and again in 722, by Fearghal son of Mael-
duin, son of Macfithreach, king of Ireland, against Dunchadh, son of
IMurchadh, .and Aedh, son of Colgan, lieir to the sovereignty. Almhuin
is to be distinguished from Ailleann, now called in English Knockaulin,
near Old Kilcullen, in the County of Kildare, upon which there arc yet
the remains of an old fort. The two places arc mentioned together in

THE PURSUIT OF DIARMUID AND GRAINNE.

N a certain day' that Fionn Mac
Cumhaill rose at early morn in
Almhuin^ the broad and great of
Laighean, and sat upon the grass-
green plain ^ without, having
neither servant nor attendant by
Inm, there followed him two of
his people ; that is to say, Oisin*
the son of Fionn, and Diorruing
the son of Dobhar O'Baoisgne.
Oisin spoke, and what he said
was : " What is the cause of this
early rising^ of thine, Fionn ?"

a poem on the death of Cearbhall, son of Muirigen, king of Leinster
A.D. 904.

" l|Ac l|on)r«!^ Ct)oc 2llii)Ait)e
2l5ur 2lilleAi)T) cet) occa."
Sorrowful to me the hill of Allen,
And Ailleann without youths (i.e. warriors).

Vid. An. Four Matt.

Another seat of the kings of Leinster was Naas in the County of

Kildare, which is also mentioned in the same poem. Modern poets have

not been as panegyrical, if we may judge from a rhyme of the mail-coach

days : —

" The town of Naas is a horrid place, KilcuUen's twice as bad ;
But d — me if I ever saw the like of Kinnegad."
s Failhche. This word at present means a fair-green, not a plain in
general.

* This name has been very correctly anglicised (Ossian) from the

42

A]i ye. " Nj 3AT) A6bA]t bo jiiSpeAf ai) wo]cé]]x^e yo," a\x
■ploTjt), " ó||i Ac<viti7 5At) beAi) 3Ai)bAiT)c&|le Ó b'eu5 2t)Ai5;-
'?^ir 1t)510t) 5bA|tAi6 ^lúubuib mic 2t)bóiTtr)e ; óiTt t)í ^r)íxt
fuAij 11JÍV |*íirbcoí)lA bo ÓeutjAnj boi) cé ceAT)5n)Af SAt) beAij
A 6TOt)5tT)ívlA ^156, A5uf ]|* é |*Ti) A&bA]t T170 rr)0]cé]]i^e V^Vh
A Oifíij." " Cjteub bo bei|t cuj-a TT)A|t X^^^" ^V- 0]T']^ > " ^W'
V] full beAt) ir)^ bA-|t)céile a t)-6i|xiw 1<vc5lAif oileívijAij
A|t A 5-cui|ifeíi^]*A jtipr) bo jtofs ^ijiv bo ftAOAiiic, ijac
b-ciub]tAn)AO]|*t)e A|i ai|* t)ó a|i ^iseAT) cu5Ab i-" 2I5UT
Ai)T} x]X) bo lAbAi|t í)io|t|tAit)5, A^uf If é |to |tiv]6 : " bo
bftA]cf ]T)T) felt) bo 6ioT>5n7i!iil bo bAitjcéile 6uic." " CiA b-1
felt}?" Alt "pio^T). " 2lciv 5!i^1t)r)e ir^sioi) CboitnjAic ttjic
2liitcti}ic CbuitJi) ceubcACAi5," Aití)ioititAir)5, " ^. At) beAtj
If fei^jxit beAlb A5uf beutjAtt? A5uf úiilAbitAÓ ho xx)r)'^]h i;a
cituitjije 50 cóin)iort)líVT}/' "<^DAit bo livin^fe, a í)blopiiAiu5,"

Alt y^\0\)\), " ACÍV lTt)lteAfiVt) A5Uf CAfAOlJCA ibUt CboitrtJAC

A5uf xr)h féi^ lie ciat) bVin^fnt, A5uf i?ioit tt^aic Asuf ^^\o\^

pronunciation of the Highlanders, according to the flat sound of their
short 0, (that of in stop), and their tendency to tlirow back the accent.
The Irish sound the short o as m in tub, nut, and in certain classes of
words accentuate the last syllable, hence they pronounce the name
Usheen. As the English, liowever, have the same tendency as the
Highlanders to shorten vowels and to throw back the accent, it is likely
that Oisin would still have been anglicised Ossian even had the word
first become known to them by means of the Irish pronunciation.

* Moicheirghe, early rising. Hence is derived the patronymic
O'Maolmoicheirghe, which may be anglicised O'Mulmoghery, but is now
translated into Early.

' Oileanach. This is an adjective, and may mean either insular, or
abounding in islands.

2 Cormac. Cormac is first mentioned by the Four Masters in the year
225. In this year he caused to be slain Lughaidh, the son of Maicniadh
(surnamed Mac Con, having been suckled by a stag-hound), who had
reigned over Ireland for thirty years, and who had killed Cormac's
father. Art, A.D. 195 (other authorities, however, vary the length of his
reign). According to the same annals Cormac became king of Ireland,
A.D. 227, and died in 266, being choked by a salmon-bone which stuck

43

quoth he. " Not without cause have 1 made tliiá early
rising," said Fionn ; " for I am without a wife without a
mate since Maighneis the daughter of Garadh glundubh
mac Moirne died ; for he is not wont to have slumber nor
sweet sleep who happens to be without a fitting wife, and
that is the cause of my early rising, Oisin." " What
forceth thee to be thus ?" said Oisin ; "for there is not a
wife nor a mate in the green-landed island^ Erin upon
whom thou mightest turn the light of thine eyes or of thy
sight, whom we would not bring by fair means or by foul
to thee." And then spoke Diorruing, and what he said
was : "I myself could discover for thee a wife and a mate
befitting thee." "Who is she?" said Fionn. "She is
Grainne the daughter of Cormac the son of Art the son of
Conn of the hmidred battles," quoth Diorruing, " that is,
the woman that is fairest of feature and form and speech
of the women of the globe together." " By thy hand,
Diorruing," said Fionn, " there is strife and variance be-
tween Cormac and myself for a long time,^ and I think

in his throat ; " on account of the Siabhradh [evil spirit] which Maelgenn,
the Druid, incited at him, after he had turned against the Druids, on
account of his adoration of God in preference to them." The feud he-
twixt Fionn and King Cormac was this. Conn of the hundred battles
had in the year 122, aided by the Luaighni of Teamhair, (a tribe in
Meath), slain Cathaoir mor, king of Ireland, at the battle of Magh
h-Agha ; and had created Criomhthan, the son of Niachorb, king of
Leinster, to the exclusion of the race of Cathaoir mor. Cumhall, grand-
son of Baoisgne, who was at that time chief of the Fenians of Leinster,
called Clanna Baoisgne, i.e. children or tribes of Baoisgne, determined
to restore the power of the race of Cathaoir mor, and accordingly, toge-
ther with the men of Munster, gave battle to Conn of the hundred battles
at Cnucha (now Castleknock in the County of Dublin) in Magh Life.
In this battle Cumhall, who was the father of Fionn, was killed by Goll
mac Morna, chief of the clanna Moirne, (children or clan of Morna) the
Fenians of Connacht. Hence there was enmity between Fionn, the son
of Cumhall, and Cormac, the grandson of Conn. The battle of Cnucha
forms tlie subject of a romance.

44

TbA]t*eAC \]Otr) 50 b-c|ub|xA6 eiifiAO cocttjAifte 0|trTj, ^5111*
feo b'peíx|tíi lion? 50 T)-beACA6 Y]hye ajiaot) A3 iA|t|tAi6-
cleAtijijAif A|t CboytroAc bArb ; ó]|t bo b'^ufA \]on) eupAÓ
cocrrjAijte bo CAbAijtc omtuibfe ^tjiv 0|trT> ^éii)." " KAcpA-
TDAOibTje ATjT)," A|i OifÍT), "5iot) 50 b-puil cAifibe bupjij
^UU, ■«^S^T ^^ ^l^'' Kl*^r ^T* b-cuftAif A3 AOT? bu]T)e 30

CeACC CA|X A^f bU]t)T> A|ti|*."

JA|i |*]T) |to 5luAi]*eAbA|t Ai) bíf beAsUoc fl») TtorDpA, A3iif
bo C|orf)T)AbA|i cé]leAbftA6 b' "pbiow ; A3ut* V] b-^lcj^lfceAjt
A T)--\rt)teAcz 1)6 30 |iar)3AbA]t "CeAtbAiit. "CíviiIa |ti3
6|fteAt)r) A T)-bi^il AotjAis A3uf ojiteAccAif itompA A|t
■pA]cce T)A "CeAri^jtAc, A3U|* n^Aice A3ut* TT)ó|tuAifle a n)u]\)-
c||ie rt7A|t AOt) f|tif, A3uf |to peAfiAÓ fíojiCAOit) píx]lce ft0|rb
0]|*ír) A5uf \\o]rr} í)blOM^ATt)3, A3u|' |io cui|teA6 At) c-aot)ac
A|i Aclii At) CAt) fit) , ói|t f ÍV 6eA]ib leif SujiAb jte coif3 150
|te cu|iAf éi3ir) bo c<VT;3AbA|t At) bi|* fn) biv ]OT)t)fAi3i6.
21 b-Aicle f]t) bo 30]fi Oifitj ^113 6)|ieAt)T) bo leAccAOib At)
A0t)Ai3, A3Uf fio ]^)r)]]' bo 3u]tAb b'^AjtitAib cleATt)i)A|r

b'^^blOl)') lt>AC Cbutt)Alll AlltfeAi) CiVT)5AbA|l fé|t) bOI) CO|t
|*]t). i)0 lAbA]|t Co]ttT)AC A3Uf ]]• é |tO ItiVjO : " t)i fUll Tt)AC

|ti3 it)ix |ioplACA cuitAÓ ]r)!x CAicrbileAb a i)-Q>]j\]x)i) i)ix]i CU3
T1)' it)3iot)|*A eu|tA6 cocrt)Ai|te 0|tcA, A5Uf if 0ftn)fA Aciv a
o]|ib]|te fit) A3 dxc 30 coicceAt)t), A3Uf t)i ciubA|tfA fiof
f3eul bjbfe t)ó 30 tTj-beiitqÓ fib f^it) bo lixcAiji rt)' it)5ii)e ;
ó)|i If feivitjt A f3eulA féit) A5iiib ]r)^ fibfe bo beic bjort)-
6ac biott)."

' This of course should have been the first clause in the sentence.
Such errors are not to be attributed to any defect in the idiom of the
language, but to a total disregard of style in the writer.

2 Literally, their departing, or proceeding, is not related. A con-
stant phrase also in the Irish Annals, and which is seldom varied, where
the more polished writers of other languages use many periphrases, as,
to make a long story short, we next find them at such a place, &c.

* ZloijAc A5ur oitveAccAf. In the language of the present day AotjAc
means a fair. OitieAccAr, which is derived from ontcAcc, a clan or tribe,
is still remembered (according to Dr. O'Donovan), in the County of

4o

it not good nor seemly that he should give me a refusal of
marriage ; and I had rather that ye should both go to ask
the marriage of his daugliter for me of Cormac, for I could
better bear a refusal of marriage to be given to you than
to myself." " We will go there," said Oisin, " though
there be no profit for us there, and let no man know of our
journey until we come back again."

After that, those two good warriors went their ways, and
they took farewell of Fionn,' and it is not told how they
fared^ until they reached Teamhair. The king of Erin
chanced to be holding a gathering and a muster' before
them^ upon the plain of Teamhair, and the chiefs and the
great nobles of his people together with him ; and a gentle
welcome was made before Oisin and before Diorruing, and
the gathering was then put off until another day ; for he
[i.e. the king] was certain that it was upon some pressing
thing or matter that those two had come to him. After-
wards Oisin called the king of Erin to one side of the ga-
thering, and told him that it was to ask of him the marriage
of his daughter for Fionn Mac Cumhaill that they them-
selves were then come. Cormac spoke, and what he said
was : " There is not a son of a king or of a great prince,
a hero or a battle-champion in Erin, to whom my daughter
has not given refusal of mamage, and it is on me that all
and every one lay the reproach of that ; and I will not
certify you any tidings until ye betake yourselves before
my daughter, for it is better that ye get her own tidings
[i.e. tidings from herself] than that ye be displeased with
me."

Donegal as meaning an assembly convened by a chief. The English
writers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries call them '• iraghtes
or paries."

* This is the Irish mode of saying " they found the king holding," &c.
This idiom is introduced in English by the Irish of all classes ; as, *• he
was there before nie," which does not mean he outstripped me in reach-
ing thither, but I found him there.

4G

«Do jluAireA&Aji ]\oivpA lAji y]n 30 |ti\T)5AbA|i 5|tIM)^t)
r)A bATjocftACCA, A5uf |io f-u]6 Co|tn)AC a]\ colb<v ha
b-]orT)6A6 A5ur i)A b-i^1|t^le^pcA A b-focA]yi 3b|^^1t)T)e,
A5Uf iioUbAiit A5ur Tf é |to ]\'a]6 : " A5 no, a 5bTi^10T}e,"
A|i fé, " bíf bo Tbuit)ci|t)-bl')t) tbic CbuTbAjU A5 ceAcc bob
]A|tftA]6fe n)A|t rbijAO] A5uf TT)A|t bAir)céile 60, Ajuf* Cjteub
AT) pfteA5|tA6 bob' All leAc bo cAbAi|tco|tcA ?" ^D'^|teA5A]|t
3T^^IUt)e ■«^Sur ir ^ T**' T^^l^ • " ^^ ^^ ^^ biolfA bo cliArbu]!)
Atjr), Cjieub a|* ijac nj-bjAO njo 6íoI|*a b'^eA|t a5U|* b'peA|t-
cé\ie AT)t) ?" Ko bivbAit |*ív|*bA At) CAT) |*it), A5u|* |to biv^leAb
•(Aji fin i^leAÓ A5U1* peitfbA 6óib ai) oióce fit) fAi) vjixiai^^t)
A b-focAiii 3blt<^^lt)r)e Ajuf t)a bAWcixAcrA, 30 rt^bAO
Tbeii*3e rt7eAÓA|i-3lóiiAC lAb; A3ui* bo |il5t)e CoprrjAC iOT)Ab
coiijrje |tiu A3uf |te y]Ovv coiócjof or? oibce y]T) a
b-'CeArbitAi3.

21 b-Aicle fio bo |tiviT)i3 OiríT) a3ui- t)ioiiiiAit)3 caii a
t)-Air S^^ b-2lltbuit) A 3-cior)t) pbltJt) A3U1' tjA "pei^De, A3ur
|to iT)r)i*eAbAit bóib a i*3eulA ó cun* 30 benteAÓ. ^3ui*
njAn céib CAiceATT) at)1) 3AC t)i6, bo cuai6 CAiceArb r^t)
3-civiitbe AiTDnite y]i) ; ^-^ny At)T) r]\) jto cuni "piow cioi)ól
A3uf ciOTt)i*u3A6 Alt feAcc 3-CACAib i)A 3i)ivicfr&it)r)e ai* 3AC
Aiiib A itAbAbAjt, A3U1* cAT)3AbAit n)A|i A ^\\■^]h )-iot)r) a
i)-2llibuit) rhóiiileACAir) LAi5eAi); A3Uf At) l'<x béi3eAi)Ac
bot) AitTjfiit y]r) bo 3luAii*eAbAit itort)pA i^A n)óiibui6eAi)i)Aib,
ItjA t)-biiot)3Aib, A3uf ii)A i)-bioiiTi)At)i)Aib bi<M)A bi|-3iie
boi6eAbitAT)t)A, A3U1* t)] b-Aicpii*ceA|i a i)-irt)ceACCA i)ó 30

' Grianan. This word is derived from Giian, the sun. Its primary
and derived meanings arc thus given by Dr. O'Donovan (Battle of Magli
Rath, p. 7, n.) 1. A beautiful sunny spot. 2. A bower or summer-
house. 3. A balcony or gallery. 4. A royal palace. From an extract
which he gives from the Ltabhar na h-Uidhre, a MS. of the twelfth cen-
tury, it is evident that the name was given to a palace from the windows
of glass with which it was furnished. The author of the Battle of Magh
Rath, says, that Domhnall the son of Aedh, &c. son of Niall of the nine
hostages, when building a palace in the place of his choice upon the

á7

After that they went their ways until they reached the
dwelling» of the women, and Cormac sat him upon the
side of the couch and of the high bed by Grainne ; and he
spoke, and what he said was : " Here are, Grainne,"
quoth he, " two of the people of Fionn Mac Cumhaill
coming to ask thee as wife and as mate for him, and what
answer wouldst thou give them ?"

Grainne answered, and what she said was : " If he be a
fitting son-in-law for thee, why should he not be a fitting
husband and mate for me ?" Then they were satisfied ; and
after that a feast and banquet was made for them in the
Grianan with Grainne and the women, so that they became
exhilarated and mirthful-sounding ; and Cormac made a
tryste with them and with Fionn a fortnight from that
night at Teamhaii".

Thereafter Oisin and Diorraing arrived again at Almh-
uin, where they found Fionn and the Fenians, and they
told them their tidings from beginning to end. Now as
every thing wears away, so also did that space of time ;
and then Fionn collected and assembled the seven battalions
of the standing Fenians from every quarter^ where they
were, and they came where Fionn was, in Almhuin the
great and broad of Leinster ; and on the last day of that
period of time they went forth in gTeat bands, in troops,
and in impetuous fierce impenetrable companies, and we
are not told how they fared until they reached Teamhair.

Boyne, laid it out after the manner of tlie palace of Tara ; amongst the
buildings of which he enumerates this dwelling or palacs of the women,
viz. 5|xiAT)ATj in er) UAfcije, ir erifte bo ni5oeb U Co|tn)AC rtpAC 2ljtxc a|% cuf
b]A it)5iij .J. bo 5nA]t)!)e, i.e., The Grianan of one pillar, which had been
first built by Cormac the son of Art for his daughter, that is, for Grainne.
2 ?l||\(5 (aird) is a point of the compass. The word is found in the
Lowland Scotch dialect, as, " Of all the airts the wind can blow," —
Burns ; "Bestow on ev'ry airth a limb" — Montrose.

48

)tivi)^AbA|i 50 'CeArbfiAij. Ho t'<x]\\^ Co|trt)AC A3iif n}«i]te
A3Uf n7Ó|tuA|fle b-peA|i T)-Bj|ieAT)») irjA c]n)Cioll |tort)pA A|i
At) b-pA]cce, A5w|* b'peA|iA&Af% fiopcAo^i) ]:iv]lce jtoirb
pbioijp A5Uf tiO]rb Ai) b-*péiT)t) ujle, ASiif bo cuAbbAji a
b-Ajcle ^]r) 50 ceAc TTjei6|teAC ti)io6cua|ica ai) |t]5. Ko
fu]6 IH5 6^fteAT)ij A ij-b^|l ó]l Asuí* AOjbueAfA, a3u|* a
beAt) A|x A 5uAlAii)r> cl] .1. B^rce ^v^^ot) 2lrivi^ Cbo|icAi5e,

<^5"r 5li^ir)Ue A|l A 5UAlAltJt) fit), A5ur p'lOtJT) TDAC CbuTT)-

AiU Aft livitT) 6e]f At) |ii3 ; A3uf' |to fu]6 CA^ibfie l,]peACAift
tr^AC Cho]\n}^]c A|t f-lio|- At) Iii5ci5e ceubtjA, a3u|* 0]f]t)
rf}AC pbjOT) Afi AT) flfOf e(le; A3uf bo fu]6 3AC Aot) bfob

bo ]ié]]t A UAffle A3U|* A ACAjlÓA 6 fOfT) AttJAC.

i)o f-iiiÓ b)tAO] A3uf beA36u|T)e eol^c At)t) bo rtjuiDciit
T^blt^t) A b-piA6i)ui]'e '3h]i'^]Vf)e ] 1)5101) CboittT7A]c, .i.í)ív|]te
buAt)AC n)AC 2t)5|it)A ; A3U|' t)ioft c]At) 3u|t éiít]3 CA0]t)eA|*
córi)|tívi6 A3uf ion)-A3A\tb<v ibffi é freft) A3111* 5b|ti^int)e.
2lr)t) f]t) b'é|fti5 'tí^irie buAi)Ac trjAc 2t)ÓftT)A ]t)A feA|*ATT) a
b-^lA6t)Aife 3b|tivir)i)e, A3Uf bo 3Ab buAi)A a3U]* b]ieuccA
A3U|* beA58ivT)CA a feAt) A3Uf a ywye^^t b] ; a3U|* AT)t) ]*ii)
bo ÍAbAffi ^T^i^liiije» ^"S^V Tio f^lAp|tii]5 bot) bjtAOi, " cjteub

At) C01f3 t)Ó At) CU|tU|* ^ÍV b-CÍl]l)l3 )-10t)t) t1)AC CbiirbAjU

bot) bAfle 1*0 At)occ?'' " ?t)ui)A b-f:u|l a ^]0|* -yp) A3AbfA."

A|t At) bftAO], " t)i b-10I)3t)A 3At) A Í:]Oy A3ATT)|*A." " Jf Tt)AlC

IjOfT) A ^fO]* b'^ix3Ail uA]Cfe," Aft '^]i'<\]\)r)e. " ^AffeAÓ," Ajt

At) bftAO], ** If bob fAftftAfÓfe t1)Aft TT)t)A01 A3Uf t1)Ait bAjt)-

céileca]t)i3"piot)i)bot) bAfle yo At)occ." " Jf tt)óit ai) c-]01)3-

1)A llOtt)|*A," Aft '5]^i<]VVG, " t)AC b'Offfl) fAftftAf 7^fOt)t) n)ffe,
Ófft bu6 CÓftA A TT)ACfAfi)All bO CAbAfftC bAlt)f*A ftjiV pCAfl ]f

' This was the name of the banquetting hall at Tara.

2 lie became king of Ireland, A.I). 268. Tighernach says that he im-
mediately succeeded his father, but the Anuals of Clonmacnoise and the
Tour Masters state that Eochaidh Gonuat was king during 267, wlicn he
was slain by Lughaidii Meann, son of Aenghus of Ulster. Keating
says that Cairbre was called "Liffeachair,'' having been fostered near the
river Liffey. He was slain in the battle of Gabhra, and the romantic

49

Connac was before them upon the plain with the chioííí and
the great nobles of the men of Erin about him, and they
made a gentle welcome for Fionn and all the Fenians, and
after that they went to the king's mirthful house [called]
Miodhchuarta.' The king of Erin sat down to enjoy
drinking and pleasure, with his wife at his left shoulder,
that is to say, Eitche, the daughter of Atan of Corcaigh,
and Grainne at her shoulder, and Fionn Mac Cumhaill
at the king's right hand ; and Cairbre LiíFeachair^ the son
of Cormac sat at one side of the same royal house, and
Oisin the son of Fionn at the other side, and each one of
them sat according to liis rank and to his patrimony from
that down.

There sat there a di-uid and a skilful man of knowledge
of the people of Fionn before Grainne the daughter of
Cormac ; that is, Daire duanach mac Morna f and it was
not long before there arose gentle talking and mutual dis-
course between himself and Grainne. Then Daire duanach
mac Morna arose and stood before Grainne, and sang her
the songs and the verses and the sweet poems of her fathers
and of her ancestors ; and then Grainne spoke and asked
the driiid, "what is the thing or matter wherefore Fionn
is come to this place to-night?" " If thou loiowest not
that," said the druid, " it is no wonder that I know it not."
" I desire to learn it of thee," said Grainne." " Well then,"
quoth the druid, " it is to ask thee as wife and as mate that
Fionn is come to this place to-night." " It is a great mar-
vel to me," said Grainne, " that it is not for Oisin that
Fionn asks me, for it were fitter to give me such as he.

account is that he fell by the spear of Oscar the son of Oisin, whom he
also killed, (vid. Batlle of Galkra, p. 48). The Four Masters, however,
say he was killed by Siraeoin son of Cairb, one of the Fothaita of
Leinstor, (vid. Four Masters, A.D. 284. n. c. Ed, J. O'D.)
3 Baire duanach, i.e., Daire of tlie duan.^ or poems.

50

^oijibce ]í)i\ rn'ACAiíi." " Nív b-AbAut fit)," A|t au &pAO[,
" ói|i b^ 5-clu]T)^eA6 'pioiji) cu t)í bjAÓ ^-S ^eft) jtioc, a5uí*
i)í rt)ó lívnjpAÓ O]]*]!) hc]i ]i]Oc/' " )vt)]y bArt) ai)0||*/' A|t
3li^iwe, " ciA Ai) Iaoc é Túb A]t ^uaIaiijtj beii' On'íi) w]C
Vh]m ?" '■ 2lcA Ai)t) ]*ú&," A|v At) bpAO], " .1. OoU n)eA|t rtjí-

leAÓCA tt)Ac2t)ÓílT)A/^ "C]A AT) IaOC Ú& A|V 5UAlAll)l)3boill ?"

Aft Ofi^li^'^e. " Ofcuft Tt)AC Oiríi)," A]x Ar) b|tAO|. " C^a aí)

peA|t CAolcOfAC A|l 5UAlA]T)t) Of5A1|l ?" A]t 01tA]l)1)e. " Ca-

oilce Tr)AC KoyAjT)," A|t At) bjtAO]. "CfA AT) Iaoc tr)ó|tÓívlAC
TDCA]t-TÍ)eAt)Tt)T)Ac & yúb A|t 5uaIatt)t) CbAOilce ?" A|i3|tíviT)i)e.
"21)ac l.u]36eAc lit^TbeuccAij;, .i. rrjAc ]T)5it)e b'T^bloipP tí)ac

CbuTbAlll AT) peA]l Úb," Ajt Al) bjtAO]. "CfA AT) peA]t bAlUc

b]T)i)bfiiACftAC úb," Ajt fí, '' A|i A b-pufl Ai) ^olc CAf ciATtÓub
A5iif AT) óA 5|iiia6 coftCTtA CAOjt8eA|i5A A]t lí^itb clí 0]X']V

' The Irish have always been fond of soubriquets, many of which
tliey derive from personal peculiarities ; of which several examples are
found in this tale. The practice is still prevalent amongst the peasantry.

2 Ballach means freckled, from ball a mark or spot, but it here refers
to that once celebrated freckle or mole which Diarmuid had upon his
face, called his hall scirce, or love-spot the sight of which acted as a
philtre on all women who looked upon it. This spot is still vividly
remembered in tradition, and is believed to have had so potent a charm
that Diarmuid is now knoM'n as Diarmuid na m-ban, Diarmuid of the
women. The legend probably amounts to this, that Diarmuid was a
warrior of surpassing strength and beauty, and had upon his face some
mole or dimple which became him very much. {Ball means a limb and
a place as well as a mark ; the two last meanings are also combined in
the English word spot.)

3 From ciar, swarthy, dark, and dubh, black. From this compound
word is derived the proper name Ciardhubhan, meaning a swarthy,
black-haired man, hence the patronymic O'Ciardhubhain, angliceKirwau.
This latter is now commonly pronounced O'Ciarabhain in Irish, which
has afforded a pretext to those of the name who wish to make it appear
tliat they are of English descent, for saying that they were originally
called Whitccúmbe, which is in Irish Cior bhan. (Vid. "Tribes and
Customs of Hy Fiachrach," p. 47, n.a., where Dr. O'Donovan also exposes
another attempt to conceal an Irish origin.) These remarks are not

51

than a man that is older than my father." " Say not that,"
said the druid, " for were Fionn to hear thee he himself
would not have thee, neither would Oisin dare to take thee."
" Tell me now," said Grainne, " who is that warrior at the
right shoulder of Oisin the son of Fionn?" "Yonder,"
said the druid, " is Goll mac Morna, the active, the war-
like." "Who is that warrior at the shoulder of Goll?"
said Graiime. " Oscar the son of Oishi," said the druid.
" Who is that graceful-legged man at the shoulder of Os-
car?" said Graiime. " Caoilte mac Ronain," said the
druid. " What haughty impetuous warrior is that yonder at
the shoulder of Caoilte ?" said Grainne. " The son of Lu-
ghaidh of the mighty hand/ and that man is sister's son
to Fionn Mac Cumhaill," said the druid. " Who is that
freckled^ sw^eet-worded man, upon whom is the curling
dusky -black' hair, and [who has] the two red* ruddy*

strictly in place here, but they may be excused for the sake of exposing
as widely as possible all such silly and unnational efforts to suppress
native names. The prevailing taste for foreign things may, perliaps,
in some degree warrant these disguises as mere tricks of trade on the
parts of actors and musicians, as in the case of a worthy man who some
years ago drove a good trade in Cheltenham as a dancing master, under
the attractive name of Signor Senecio, being all the time, as was at
length discovered, one Mr. O'Shaughnesstj. He wore a foreign name as
an actor wears his tinsel, for a livelihood ; but the D'Arcys and others ,
have not this excuse.

< CoTictXA. This word, (corcra), is the same as the Latin purpura,
(Welsh porffor, porphor), and affords a good example of the substitution
of c in the Gaelic for the p of the Latin and Welsh, as in clunih, L. pluma,
W. pliif. Casg, L. Pascha, W. Pane. The following are a few examples
of c and p. in cognate Gaelic and Welsh words ; Ceann, W. pen, Crami,
W. preti. Claim, (old form, eland) W. platit, Mac, W. mab, Ceasachd,
MV.pas, Ceathair, W.pedwar, Cach,W. pawb, Gaeh,W. pob, Cre, gen.
criadli, W. pridd, Cnumh, W. pryf.

* CAort&cAti5, i.e., berry-red. CAOfióeATis is vulgarly pronounced
CTiAo^As, and hence is often written by ignorant scribes cuAobbeAfts.

52

iV]C f\)]\)\)?" ''<DiAnrt;>ib beiibbívt)b|ieAC foluif U<\ 'D\ibi)e
Ai) peA|t nt>," A|i At) bytAOi, " .i. Ai) c-aoi) leAui^p hAx) A5iif-
lUSiot) ■]y ^eiv|t|t bix b-pu]l y^j borbAij 50 cóirbiort)U\i)."
" C]A yub A|i ;^uaIa(uí) 't)l)iA|itT)ubA?" A|t 3T^<^|ni:)e. " "^DjO]!-
]tuii)5 rtjAC 'DobAT|t bAtiMió Uí BbA0]f5t)e, ^5iM* IT i^l^^^o]
A5H]* beA56u|i)e eAlAÓAi; ai) T:eA]t úb," a|i •^Divjiie buAijAC.
" 2t)Aic AT) bui6eAi) VI') At;i)/' A|i o|t^iT)i)e, Asuf bo 50i]t
A corbAÍ coirbboAccA cii]ce, A5h|* a bubA]iac jijA at) cojtt)
cloc-ófiÓA curbbui5re bo b] ]*at) i)5|tiAT)ai) bit b-^lf ''<'
cAbA]|tc cuice. "Cus ai) corbAÍ Atj coftt) lej, A3uf bo lioi)
3^i^iwe AT) co|n) A 5-ceubói|i, (asu^ í50 céjóeAÓ ól tjao]
t)AOT)bA|t At)i)). 21 bubAi|tc 3n^ir>t)e, " Bei|t leAc ai) co]tt)
1*0 b'pblot)T) All b-cú|f A5uf* AbA]|i le^i* beoc b'ól ■o.y, Ajuf
i)Occ bo 5U|i rm|*e bo ciiiji cu]5e é " iDo 11115 ai) cott)aI at)
cojtt) b'iot)i)|-A]5i6 pblU') ^"5^]' ^'v')V]y i30 5AC i)]6 a bu-
bAi]tc '^\ií\]u\)e ]i]A bo ]x'a6 ]i]y. 'Do 5IAC f\ox)n At) coítt)
A5u|* b']b beoc Ay, Ajuf v] cú|f5e b ]b At) beoc it)í\ bo tii]z

A COl|tC|IT) fUAlt) A5U1* fÍ0|tC0bAlcA Al|t. í)o 5IAC Coftl1)AC

A1) tieoc A5U|* bo cu]c ai) j-uai) ceubi)A Aijt, a5u|* bo 5IAC
Bjcce beAt) CboiifT)Aic aij coftt) a5u|* ibeAj* beoc a^*, A5uf
bo cu|c AT) fiiAi) ceiibí)A uifijte atoa^I cívc. 21t)t) fji) bo
50ifi 0]t2^ii)T)e AT) cott)aI coiTT)beAccA cú]ce, A5UI* a bubAjfic
|tlA :" B^i ]t leAC At) copt) 1*0 50 CAijtbiie l,ipeACAi|t tdac
Cbo|írt)ATC A^ui* AbAi]t le]|* beoc b'ól A]% A5Uf cAbA]]t At)

CO|tT) bO T)A rtJACAlb ItjO^ íib ]1)A pOCAJjl." í)0 71115 Al) COtT)Al

Tlie berry which is sucli a favourite simile with tlie Irish in speaking
of lips and cheeks, is that of the rowan tree, which is called pA|tCA|i)i)
oeAjts, (vid. Biillle of Maylx Rath, p. G4, and Feis tiyhe Chonaine,
p. 124, where it is specified).

' The name Diaruiuid, at one time anglicised J)eraiot, is now always
transl.ited, in speaking of one who in Irish is called Diarmuid, by Darby
or Jeremiah — in the counties of Limerick and Tipperary Darby is most
generally used, in Cork and Kerry, Jeremiah, (vid. additional note on
Irish names and surnames.)

'■i An English writer would liavc said, " whicli she had left in the

53

cheeks, upon the left hand of Oisin tJio son of Fionn ?"
"That man is Diarniuid' the grandson of Diiibhne, the
■vvhite-tootlied, of the lightsome countenance ; that is, the
best lover of women and of maidens that is in the whole
world.'' Who is that at the shoulder of Diarmuid?" said
Grainne. " Diorruing the son of Dobhar Damhadh
O'Baoisgne, and that man is a druid and a skilful man of
science," said Daire duanach.

''That is a goodly company," said Grainne; and she
called her attendcint handmaid to her, and told her to bring
to her the jewelled-golden chased goblet which was in the
Grianan after lier.^ The handmaid brought the goblet,
and Grainne filled the goblet forthwith, (and there used to
go into it [be contained in it] the drink of nine times nine
men). Grainne said, " take the goblet to Fionn first, and
bid him drink a draught out of it, and disclose to him that
it is I that sent it to him." The handmaid took the goblet
to Fionn, and told him exevy thing that Grainne had bidden
her say to him. Fionn took the goblet, and no sooner had
he drunk a draught out of it than there fell upon him a
stupor of sleep and of deep slumber. Cormac took the
draught and the same sleep fell upon him, and Eitclie, the
wife of Cormac, took the goblet and drank a draught out
of it, and the same sleep fell upon her as upon all the others.
Then Grainne called the attendant handmaid to her, and
said to her: "Take this goblet to Cairbre Lifeachair and
tell him to drink a draught out of it, and give the goblet
to those sons of kings^ by him." The handmaid took the

Grianan," or, " wliicli was kept in her Grianan ;'' but the above is the
Irish idiom.

3 The chiefs of tribes and small territories, as well as the rulers of the
■whole country, were called kings by the ancient Irish. Duald Mac
Firbis (who wrote in the middle and latter half of the seventeenth century )
has the following remark in that part of his genealogical work entitled

54

At; conD 50 CA]fib|ie, A5Uf t)] rpA|c bo Tti\it)i5 le]f a ca-
bAjfic boij cé pív ijeAfA 60 at? cau bo cujc a co)|ic)rt) |*uA[t)

A3UI' f]0|XC0bAlcA Al^ K^P>» '<^5'*r ^^^ tJ-AOU bAjt 5IAC Al)

cofti) A tj-b]Ai5 '<^ cé]le, bo ciqceAbA|t tua b-coiftcitt)

fUA]U A5Uf fiOjtCObAlcA.

2lr) H<Ni|i t^uA]|i 3ti^l'?')s "i^T* n^ CÍVC <v]i CAOj rT)ei|'36
A^u}* nieAjibAjl; ]to éi]t]5 pé]T) 50 ^ojl poifb]or)Ac Af aij
fii]6e ]t)A itAjb Ajuf jto f-iqb ]bi|t Oi|*ít) Ajiif í)bl<'^fin?ui*>
O i)buibi)e, A5u|-]xo lAbAjit |te b-Oifi») A5Uf i|* 6 |to ]tiii6:
" ir loUS'M lion? pc^iu Ó pbloi)t) tb^c CburbAiU ttjo le]cé]bfe
b']A]i|iAiÓ bo p6]o n7A|i TbrjAO], ó]|i bu6 có|tA 60 njo tbAC-

fAri}A]l ^éjT) bo CAbAl|XC bAtbfA 11)ATt ^eA|i itjiv ^eAji If

|:oi|tbce ^ijiv rt)'ACA]it." " T^iv ])-^h'Ci]'\i fit), A 3bTiiv]i)i)e/'
A|i Ojfit), " ó]]t bin 3-clii]i)feA& y^]Ot)r) cufA biv ]ti^6 fjt)
V] b|A6 fé feji) iqoc, A5U[* u] rpó leorbAiupfe be]c jiioc."
** "^t; t)5eubA|ftfe i-uiit3e uAin^fe, a Oinu?" a|i ^n^^iwe.
" Ni jeubAb/' A|i 0]y']x), " ó]]t 516 be beAt) bo luA6pA]6e
■fie b-O(flt) V']0]i cu|be liomfA a be^c A3Art) biv n)-bA6 tjAC
luAbpAjOe ^te f]0\)\) ]." " 2t)AifeAÓ," a]i ^T^^lfoe, " cuiji-
in)|*e fiv 3GAfAib aca A3Uf Ai6n)]llce cii a 'Dbl<vitrt)u]b .].
f^ 3eA|* A]b bfton^A b|tÁoi6eAccA tijiitjA n)-bei|t]|t ti}é fe^t)

ICAC Af AI) CeA3lAC fO ADOCC ful 6}|teOCUf 'plOIJl) A3Uf ]t|3
6]ftlOT)tJ Af At) fUAT) jIJA b-f UjlflOc"

" jf olc i)A 3CAfA bo cu||t|f oun) a 5bTiiviwe," A|i í)]-

" lriuccArAJ5 clojorje l^jAciiAC," or, "The hereditary proprietors of the
Claim Fiiiclirach."

2lTiA|le bo ^lACAjb ua tj-tiubbiv, jur At) SAjntij bo hc^)t) leAbAitt Ajtiin»)
bóib -1. o<\]]\n) ri|05, A5ur 5)^ co)riji5eAc ri') Atjiu, t)iti b'cAó 'ii) ai) atij ni)
A5 3AoióeAlu|b, bo n&ri a iJ-bll^ló ret) ai) UAjn r?»)» A5ur bo tt&n qi)eA6
clopór; vtHicTií'nú r;\f)5AccAri CIaiji) IriiAcl 50 Ciit cAimiiJSmo 30 ti)-
blxcATV c|tiocf)A Tx|05 ) tj-Gi; tie xXjt At) z]^ x)^i AyUf 5A1) i;) Af ti)Ó |t)a bíx
ccub ii)ile Alt j.'Ab A5ur CA05Ab tijjlo Alt ICACAb ii)tjrc. ifil. i.e. ^ere
follow some of the chieftains of the O'DubhJas ("now O'Dowtls), with
the title which historical books give them, namely, the title of king;
ami though strange this appears at this day, it was not so tlien among the
Gael according to tlieir own laws at that time, and according to other

55

goblet to Cairbre, and he was not well able to g-ive it to
him that was next to him, before a stupor of sleep and of
deep slmnber fell upon liim too, and each one that took the
goblet, one after another, they fell into a stupor of sleep
and of deep slumber.

When Grainne found the others thus in a state of
drunkenness and of trance, she rose fah'ly and softly from
the seat on wdiich she was, and spoke to Oisin, and what
she said was : "I marvel at Fionn Mac Cumhaill that he
should ask such a wife as I, for it were fitter for him to
give me my own equal to marry than a man older than my
father." " Say not that, Grainne," quoth Oisin, " for
if Fionn were to hear thee he would not have thee, neither
would I dare to take thee." " Wilt thou receive courtship
from me, Oisin ?" said Grainne. " I Avill not," said Oisin,
" for whatsoever woman is betrothed to Fionn I would not
meddle -with her." Then Grainne turned her face to
Diarmuid O'Duiblme, and what she said to him was : " Wilt
thou receive courtship from me, son of O'Duiblme, since
Oisin receives it not from me?" "I will not," said
Diarmuid, " tor whatever woman is betrothed to Oisin I
may not take her, even were she not betrothed to Fionn."
" Then," said Grainne, " I put thee under bonds of danger
and of destruction, Diarmuid, that is, under the bonds
of Dromdraoidheachta, if thou take me not with thee out
of tliis household to-night, ere Fionn and the king of Erin
arise out of that sleep."'

" Evil bonds arc those under which thou hast laid me,

nations also. Behold, before the coming of the children of Israel to the
land of promise, how there were thirty kings together in ihat country,
and it not more than two hundred miles in length, and fifty miles in

breadth, etc See Tribes and Customs of Hy Fiachrach, p. 298.

» That is, I charge thee on pain of danger and of destruction to take
me,etc.

5(>

A|tn)u]b, " ^5"r cfteub pivjt cuiftTf i;a seAf^w ub o\in)
|:é|t) feAC A b-pii]l bo njACAjb ft)05 Ajuf jtoplAc A b-ceAC
TT)e)Ó|teAc n)io6cuA|xrA ai; 1*15 Atjocc, A5uf i)Ac b-i:u]l
biobpAt) u]le ]Oui)rt)U]t)e rtjiji^ il* njeAfA ]i)a njé pé|T) r"
" í)A]t bo l<xiTt7|*e A n)]c U] í)b«1^'?s» V] 3^t> AObA^i bo
cuiiieAi* p&ip OA 3eAfA úb o|tc njAjt jijoeofAb biqc at)oi|*."

" Lix bí^ itA|b ]ii5 6|iteAT;t; a i^-biv^l AOUA15 a5U|* o]fi-
eAccAif Afi pA]ccc T)A 'CeArhitAc, ciifilA }-iouo A5Uf reAcc
3-CACA i;a 5n^ic}:ó(i}i;e Autj Ar) liv ^|t} A5U1* ]to é]|i|5
■jottjivi?) cortjóftcAii' ibiji CbA|fib|ie LipSACA^jt ttjac Cbofi-
njAjC A5ufTT)Ac LuijÓeAC, Ar^ny |to éifX5ev\bAii put BbfteAJ-

TT)A]5e A5Uf CbeA|tl)A, A5llf colArbr)A CeAtJOA t)A "CeATbjtAC

Aft CAob Cb-<x]|ib]ie, Ajuf "piAut^A 6i|teAi)t; aji CAob rbfc
'Lu]5beAC, A5U|* t)] |tA]b ]i)a fufóe fAi) A0t>AC aij liv |*]r)

ACC Al) |t]5 A5Uf* plOyi) A5Ur CUfA, A í)b|A|in7uib. "C^JtÍA

Ai) iort}ívii) A3 bul Afi rbAC Liii56eAC, A3uf ]to él|i5irr*^ Ab
feAt-Arb A3iir ^^ tAit)]j* A CAttjivr) bot) cé f^ ijeAfA bu]c,

A3Uf flO l&13ir p<V liV]l AJllf liVDCAlAlb é, A3m* GO CUAOAji*

fv\i; ]on7iv]t), A3Uf |io ciq|t||* ai) bi\]|te cfij b-uA]]te A]t
CbAi)ibfto A3UJ* A|x 3<vfliA i)<v "Ce^rbitAc. í)o bi6eA]*fA
Ai) u<\]|t Y]\) Art) 3|tiATKM) slAu-ftAOAjicAc 50jitt)-pu|r)i;eo3AC
^lojije bob freucAiu, A3U1* ]xo cii]|ieAf ]\]i)i) n^o |voj*5 A31H*

1170 pAÓAlllC ptJOAbfA Al) U f)l), A5ll|- I)] CU5A|* AT) ^]i'^6

X]r) b'AO]i;i)eAC 0]\e ó fo)!; aIc, A3ur i)] ciub<v]t 30 biioiuu

At) bjtilCA."

" )y ]0\)j'y\^^ 6i\]Z]'eM) 3ttix6 Y]i) bo cAbAjjic bAibr^'^ ^"-^I^

CeADO "pbjUu/^ A|t 't)lAfltT)Ulb. " A7;U]' l)AC b-fuil A 1)-Bl|tlt)t)

•pcAji ]]* njó ]Oi)i)rbuii)c mi)iv ]\)l\ ó; <!^3iif At; b-pu]l a ]*|0|*

' loiijixii) con)óftcA|r. Coaling is also called /tur/iny iii the south of
Ireland ; and in the North commun, from cuman, the crooked stick with
■which the game is played.

Í Breaylimhayli, Latinised, Bregia, was the name anciently applied to
the plain extending from Dublin to Drogheda, embracing the present
counties of Dublin and Meath.

» Cearna. This place is mentioned in a poem upon the death of Ceallach,

57

woinan," said Dianmiid ; " and wherefore hast thou laid
those bonds upon me before all the sons of kings and of hig-h
princes in the king's mirthful house [called] Miodhchuairt
to night, seeing that there is not of all those one less worthy
to be loved by a woman than myself?" '* By thy hand,
son of O'Duibhne, it is not without cause that I have
laid those bonds on thee, as I will tell thee now.

'' Of a day when the king of Erin was presiding over
a gathering and muster on the plain of Teanihair, Fioim,
and the seven battalions of the standing Fenians, chanced
to be there that day ; and there arose a great goaluig match'
between Cairbre Lilfeachaii' the son of Cormac, and the
son of Lnghaidh, and the men of Breaghmhagh,'* and of
Ceama,^ and the stout pillars'* of Teamhair arose on the side
of Cairbre, and the Fenians of Erin on the side of the son
of Lughaidh ; and there were none sitting in the gathering
that day but the king, and Fionn, and thyself, Diarmuid.
It happened that the game was going against the son of
Lughaidh, and- thou didst rise and stand, and tookest his
caman from the next man to thee, and didst throw him to
the ground and to the earth, and thou wentest into the
game, and didst win the goal three times upon Cairbre and
upon the warriors of Teamhair. I was that time in my
Grianan of the clear view, of the blue windows of glass,
gazing upon thee ; and I turned the light of mine eyes and
of my sight upon thee that day, and I never gave that love
to any other from that time to this, and will not for ever."

*' It is a wonder that thou shouldest give me that love
instead of Fionn," said Diarmuid, " seeing that there is not
in Erin a man that is fonder of a woman than he ; and

son of Flannagan, Lord of Breagh, quoted by the Four Masters at A.D.
890. Dr. O'JJonovan observes that Cearna has not been identified, but
the book called Dianseachus mentions it as being in Meaih.
* That is, the strong warriors who were the support of Tara.

A5<xb, A 3b|»^]iJU^, Ai) oióce bíof "p|or)t) a b-TcAtbtiAIS
3U|iAb A|5e pé]U bo bjOf eocftACA i;a "CeArbitAc, a^uj* iT)A|t
|-ir) i)Acb-p&ib]ft l]t)i;e At) bAile b'pívsbívil r" " 9lz^ bo\iu\'
eiilui5ce A]t n)o 5|i|Aoi^i)r^," a|i 3f^^li?'?e, " A5uf jeubAtt)
ATt^AC Aijt}." " jr seAf bAri^fA SAbiv]! C{t& 6o|tuf euliii5ce
A|t bic," A|i 'DiAfitt)UTb. " 2t)AU*eA6, clu]i)irt)fe," bo |iivi6
3fi^li)i)e, " 50 b-cé]8eAoi) 5AC Cu|tAÓ A5U]* 5AC ca]C-
TÍJÍleAÓ b'ú|tlAT)t}A)b A ]'leA5 A5uf bo c|tAi)t;Aib A 5-C|tA0Tf-
eAC CAfi |*oi;i)a6 jaca bmjA a5uj' jaca beAjbA^le A|*ceAC
VÓ AttjAC, A5ur 5eubAbfA at) bo|tu|* euluj^ce attjac a5u|*
leAijfA rt)A]t fit) n)é."

t)o 3luA]r 3Ttiv]i;t)e ftoinjpe ah^ac, A5Uf bo UbA^it <D|-
A]in)Aib ^te T)-A Tt)uii;ciit, a5u|* if é a bubA]itc: " 21 0]Yív
n)]C )-bli)P> Cjteub bo ÓeutjpAbfA |ti|* tjA seATAjb úb bo
cu]|ieA6 0]tn) ?" " N] cioi)r;cAc cufA |tif rjA 5eAfA)b bo
cuijteAÓ 0|tc," A|i Oifjt; ; " •<^3"r Í3ei|iin)fe leAc 3ft^lT)i)e
bo leATjAtbAiu, A5uf có(rbeiib cu pfe]i) 50 ti)ív]C A|t ceAl3A]b
fh]Vv" " 21 Or5A]]t tbic 0]fiu, citeub ^f njAic ÓAmpA
bo ÓeurjATÍ? A|i t)A 5eAf A^b úb bo cui|teA8 o^xtr) ?" " t)ei]t-
^njfe leAc '^]\^^]^)^)C: bo leAUATt)Aiu," A|i Of5A|t, " ó\]i ]r
feA]t c|iuA5 bo CAiUeAf a 5eAf a." " Cyteub ai) con)AT|tle
be]|ti|i bAm A CbAOjlce ?" a|i ^]A\in)n]b, " 21 be]|t]tT)|-e,"
A]i CAOilce, " 50 b-fufl Tt)o 6]oo5rbivil fe]!) bo mt)Aoi
A5ATT)|*A, A5uf bo b'feív|t|t l]oro i^iv tt}A]c t)A cjtu]t)i)e 5ii|t
bAri? fó]r) bo beu|tfA6 'S]iSx]r)^e At) 5|i&6 úb." "C|ieiib At)
cotT)Ai|tle bo bei|i]|v bAtt), a 'DblO|i|tiiit)5 ?" "«DejuirDfe
t^ioc ^Ti^iwe bo leAt)Att)Aii)," A|t <Dio|t|tu]t)5, '' 516 50
b-ciocfAiÓ bo b^f be, A5uf ]y olc IjottifA é." " 2li) í
|*úb bA|t 5-cort)Ai|tle iqle ÓArb," A|t ^DiA|ttt)U]b. ")]'],"

A|t Oirjt), A5Uf Aft CiVC A 5-COICCI 1)1)0.

JA]t f]i) eiitjeAf i)iA]tti)U]b ]])A feAfAii), A511J- CU5 U\rt)

' Literally, a door for stealing away through.

* Geas. Sometimes the gcasa, whether prohibitions or injunctions,
were enforced by threats, as were those laid by Gruinne upon Diarmuid

o9

knowest thou, Grainne, on the night that Fionn is in
Teamhair that he it is that has the keys of Teamhair, and
that so we cannot leave the town?" " There is a wicket-
gate' to my Grianan," said Grainne, " and we will pass out
through it." " It is a prohibited things for me to pass
through any wicket-gate whatsoever," said Diarmuid.
" Howbeit, I hear," said Grainne, " that every warrior and
battle-champion can pass by the shafts of his javelins and by
the staves of liis spears, in or out over the rampart of every
fort and of every town, and I will pass out by the wicket-
gate, and do thou follow me so."

Grainne went her way out, and Diarmuid spoke to his
people, and what he said was : " Oisin, son of Fionn,
what shall I do with these bonds that have been laid on
me ?" " Thou art not guilty of the bonds which have been
laid upon thee," said Oisin, " and I tell thee to follow
Grainne, and keep thyself well against the wiles of Fionn."
" Oscar, son of Oisin, what is good for me to do as to
those bonds which have been laid upon me ?" " I tell thee
to follow Grainne," said Oscar, " for he is a sorry wretch
that fails to keep his bonds." "What counsel dost thou
give me, Caoilte ?" said Diannuid. " I say," said Caoilte,
" that I have a fitting wife, and yet I had rather than the
wealth of the world that it had been to me that Grainne gave
that love." *' What counsel givest thou me, Diorruing ?"
" I tell thee to follow Grainne, albeit thy death will come
of it, and I gTÍeve for it." " Is that the counsel of you all
to me?" said Diarmuid. " It is," said Oisin, and said all
the others together.

After that Diarmuid arose and stood, and stretched forth

above : and eonietiraes merely by an appeal to the warrior's honour, in
which case they -were called scAfA v^c b íuUi^bai» íjottUoic, i.e., geasa
•wliich true heroes endure not ; that is to say, without obeying them.

60

CAp<\6 Iaoc&a CAii <v leACAt)-<v]trt7v\ib, ASup bo c)0tt7A|i) ceAb
Ajuj* c6ileAb[iAÓ bo 0]yi\) A5iir bo rv^]i\h r)A fé]i)^e ;
A^iii* i)io|t Tijó TDÓUAbívn TT7Íi)C0)tC|iA Tt;<x 5AC beofi bC\
]-|leA8 í)iA|irT)u(b Af A 6eAftCAib Aft |*5AftArbA]r) |ie t)-a
Tbu]r)ci|i bo. i)o cuA|6 ^DiAjitijuib A|t bivfi|t ai) burjA, Asup
bo cu||i ú|tlAi)i)A A ÓC\ f"leA3 pAO], Asm* b'é]|ti3 bo bAO]c-
lé|rn AiC6ubc|tu|rf} úfiív||ib eurjArbAil, 5111a 5Ab lefceAb A
65\ borji) boi; ^eA|tAT)i) ívIaiijt) ^eujtuAictJe ArTju]^ A|t ai)
b-pAfcce, A5U]* cíV|iIa ^T^^IW^ Ajft. 2lt;r; |*|t) bo lAbA||t
i)]A|in)U|b, A5Uf If & A bubAjftc : " borp Aicrje, a
3bTi^l')t)e," A|t fé, "ifolc At) cuiiui* ]t)A b-citi?3A]|* ; ói|i
bo b'fe^|tft bujc pjotjo n^AC CbtntjAill r^Aft leAijixi) A5Ab
lyiv r^ife, ASUf i;ac b-peAbAti civ cú]l p;ív ceAftT) ftjiv fA]i-
cAjt b'6niii)i) TtjA n)-beu]tpAb cu ai^oh*, A^uf p |ll CA]t b-Aff
bor; bAfle, A3U[* v)] b-j.ni]5ió "pioi));) fjeulA A|i A i)-beix]tit-
VA]]" 50 b|iivc." " jf beAftb t)AC b-pillpeAb,"' aji 3l^^lUUe,
" A5Uf t)Ac f5A|t|:Ab leAc 50 ^^ajxaio ai; bi\f ]t|oc itjé."
" 2t)AireA6 5luAj|- uA|c, A 5bli<^1i)t;e/' Aft í)iA|inni]b.
í)o 5lttAir 'DiAjtrDUfb A5U|- Ofxivfi)i;e ftórDpA ^Aft fp),

AJUf T)i bGACAbAfl TAjt rbjle Ót> TD-bAfle An}AC AT) CAl) A

bubAfiic Stt^l'^ve, " Arivfri) pefi) bon? coft, A rbfc U]
<t)bu|bue/' " jf TDAfc AT) cftivc coftCA, A ^b^ivfutje,'' A]l
í)lA|tfT)uib, " A5Uf pfll Aijo]}* Aft bo ceAgUc peji) Apíf,
ó||t bo beift|tT) bitiACAji p]o[tlAO|c t)AC b-ciubAitfA ]on7CA|i
bujc y:^]\) ]r)'<\ b'Aor) Tbo<^oi oflo 50 h]\u]i)r) At) bjtixcA."
" Ni TDAfi Til) ]y có]\\ bufcf-e oeuijAtt)," ajt '5v-'<^]VVe, " ó|tt
Acívfb eACfiAO n)'AéAji A|i ^euftjofic SAbU leo pefi), Ajuf
CAfibAfb Aco; ASiifpiUfe aji a 5-coAr)i) A5iif cui|t CAftbAb

AJt 6C\ CAC bfob, A5Ur pAUpAbrA leAC A|l A1) liXCA])l j'O 1)0

50 tT)-bentifi 0(in) A|ti|-." 'D'piU 'D|A|tn)u|b cAft a ah* Afi

At) eACflAÓ, ASUf flO 5Ab 6iV CAC bjob, A^Uf bo CU||l A!)
CAJlbAb OpCA, A5Ur bo CUA]6 p6lU ATjUf OfU\I 1)1)6 fAI)
3-CAfvbAb, A^Uf 1)'| b-AlCfll]*ceA|t A 1)-|rT)CeACCA 1)0 50 |IÍM).
^AbAfl Beul ÍVCA ItlAjt).

61

lii3 active warrior hand uver his broad weapong, and took
leave and farewell of Oisin and of the chiefs of the Fenians ;
and not bigger is a smooth-crimson whortleberry than was
each tear that Diarranid shed from his eyes at parting with
his people. Diarmuid went to the top of the fort, and put
the shafts of his two javelins under him, and rose with an
airy, very light, exceeding high, bird-like leap, until he
attained the breadth of his two soles of the beautiful gTass-
green earth on the plain without, and Grainne met him.
Then Diarmuid spoke, and what he said was : "I trow,
Grainne, that this is an evil course upon which thou art
come ; for it were better for thee have Fionn Mac Cumhaill
for lover than myself, seeing that I know not what nook
or comer, or remote part of Erin I can take thee to now,
and return again to the town, and Fionn will never learn
what thou hast done." "It is certain that I will not go
back," said Graiime, "' and that I will not part from thee
until death part me from thee." " Then go forward,
Grainne," said Diannuid.

Diarmuid and Grainne went their ways after that, and
they had not gone beyond a mile out from the town when
Grainne said, *' I indeed am wearying, son of O'Duibhne."
" It is a good time to weary, Grainne," said Diarmuid,
" and return now to thine own household again, for I plight
the word of a true wanior that I will never carry thee, nor
any other woman, to all eiernity." " So needst thou not
do," said Grainne, " for my father's horses are in a fenced
meadow by themselves, and they have chariots ; and return
thou to them, and yoke two horses of them to a chariot,
and I will wait for thee on this spot till thou overtake me
again." Diarmuid returned back to the horses, and he
yoked two horses of them to a chariot, and it is not told
how they fared until they reached Beul atha luain.'

' The month of the ford of Lnan, now called in English Athlone,

62

At) CACíiAÓ be|c A3A]i)t)." " 2^AifeA6," a|i ^T^^I')')®»
" í:í^5f*^ V^ b-^ic A|t AT) l<vcAi|t yo, A5iif bo bé]i|*A córij-
co]f|5eACc bu]C ^eAf&A." í)o cii||ilit)5 í)iA|arT)u]b A|t

b]tUAC AtJ ÍVCA, A5Uf bo |IU3 eAC le]]* CA|t]* AT) iVC At)Ot)l),

A5U]' b'fiv5Aib A]i 5AÓ CAob bot) c-]-]iuc ]Ab, A5u]* bo 5Ab
pé]!} A5uf 5^^n)T)e n^ile it]]- At) yy-ut f]A]i, a5u]- bo cuaÓ-

bA]l A b-ci]t bo leAC CAO]b CÓ15]6 Cb01)T)ACC. H] b-AJC]!]]*-

ceA]t A i)-]n}ceAccA tjó 50 ]ts\t)5AbA]i i)o]]te 6A boc a
5-ceA|tc li^ji clo]T)r)e Kiociv]]ib ; A5u]* bo cuA6bA]i ]*at)
bo]]ie, Asu]* bo 5eiv]t]t <D]Aitrt)U]b aij boi]\e ]t)A c]n7C]oll,
Ajuj* bo ■ft]5T)e ]*eACc i)-b0]]i]*e ]:eA5A a]]i, a^u]* ]to cójmij
leAbAÓ bo bo5-luACA]]t A5u]- bo b^]t]t be]ce y^ Sblt^lOUO
A 5-ceA]tc-liv]i AT) boijxe f]i7.

J0TDCu]'A "pbltJO n)]c CbuTbA]ll bo hey. fseuU ój* ívpb.
<D'é]]ti5 A ]tA]b A b-'CeAri7|XA]3 at^ac a Tt}oc-6iv]l t)a rt)A]bt)e

A]l T}-A tT>iX]tAC, A5U]* }niA|tAbA]t í)]A|tTT)U]b A5llf 5]tíVl 1)1)6

b'ui]ieA]'bA o]tcA, A^u]* bo 5Ab b05A6 eubA A^iiy Ar)b]:A]i)i)e
"p]Ot)t). 430 ]:uA]]t A lo]i5A]]i]6e ]ioitT)e a]i ai) b-]:A]cce .].
cIai)T)A MeAri)U]T), A-^ny b'puA5A]]i bó|b <t)]A]tn)uib /sj^uy

'3]^'A]VV& i>0 leAT)ATt)A]1), AT)t) ]♦]!) bO ]tU5AbA]l AI) loftj IcO

50 Beul ÍVCA luA]t), A5ur T^o leÁi) piot)i) aju]* 'p]Ai)i)V
6]iiGAi)i) ]Ab; 5]6eA6 t)io]t b-]:&]b]]t leo Ai) lo]i5 bo b]te]C

ZA]Xy AI) ÍVC A1)01)I), 5U]l CU5 Plot)!) A b]TlACA]l TT)UI)A ]-Ool-

^AbAO]]* AI) lo|i5 50 luAc 50 5-c]ioc]:a6 ]Ab a]i 5ac CAob
boi) ÍVC.

2li)i) y\\) bo 5AbAbA]i cIai)1)A HeAn)U]i) a i)-A5A|6 ai)
c-]-]tocA yuAy, A-^uy ynA\iAbA-\i gac a]i 5AC cAob boi)
c-]*]iuc; A3U]* bo ^AbAbAjt tDjle ]i]y at) y\\ut ]-|A]i, A5u]*
^UAjtAbA]i AI) lo]t5 A3 bul A b-cí)% bo leAC cAojb CÓ1516

Cb0l)DACC, A-^uy bo IcaI) 'p]01)1) A^uy 'plAt)l)A 6]]lCAI)t)
< Tliat is, the Grove of the two huts in Cianrickanl. The territory

Aiid Diavmuid epoke to Grainne, and said : ''It is all
the easier for Fionn to follow our track, Gitiinne, that
we have the horses." **Then," said Grainne, "leave the
horsea upon this spot, and I will journey on foot by thee
henceforth." Diarmuid got down at the edge of the ford,
and took a horse with him over across the ford, and [thus]
left [one of] them upon each side of the stream, and he and
Grainne went a mile with the stream westward, and took
land at the side of the pro\áuce of Connacht. It is not told
how they fared until they arrived at Doire dha bhoth, in
the midst of Clann Eiocaird^ ; and Diarmuid cut dowTi the
gi'ove around him, and made to it seven doors of wattles,
and he settled a bed of soft rushes and of the tops of the
birch under Grainne in the very midst of that wood.

As for Fionn Mac Cumhaill, I will tell [his] tidings
clearly. All that were in Teamhair rose out at early morn
on the morrow, and they found Diarmuid and Grainne
wanting from among them, and a burning of jealousy and
a weakness [i.e., from rage] seized upon Fionn. He found
his trackers before him on the plain, that is the Clanna
Neamhuin, and he bade them follow Diarmuid and Grainne.
Then they carried the track as far as Beul atha luain, and
Fionn and the Fenians of Erin followed them ; howbeit they
could not carry the track over across the ford, so that Fionn
pledged his word that if tliey followed not the track out
speedily, he would hang them on either side of the ford.

Then the Clamia Neamhuin went up against the stream,
and found a horse on either side of the stream ; and they
went a mile with the stream westward, and found the track
taking the land by the side of the province of Connacht,
and Fionn and the Fenians of Erin followed them. Then

of Clanrickard comprised six baronies in the County of Galway, viz.
Leitrim. Loughreagh, Dunkellin, Iviltartan, Clare and Athenry.

64

■|<v&. %\)\) x\r) bo UbAiit y-\ovt), A^iif ]X 'e jto fiívjó : " }x
n)Aic Ací^ A piof AjAttji-A cí^ b-puiSKeAji t)iApn)uii? asuj-
5tiivin»)e Atjoir •!• ■<*' i;-i)onte 8iv hot." í)o b] Oij-jt)
Ajuj* OfCATt A5uf CAOjlre A5uf ^3]Ofl|lu^r)5 n7AC í)obAi|i
bATÍ^Aib Uj Bb<vo]f5r>c A5 é||-beAcc |te "pioiju A5 |tívÓ ua
iTj-b|té]ciieAÓ fin, A5Uf bo UbAi]t 0\y]\-), A5u|* if é |to |tivi6 :
'* If bAOJAÍ bíiiiji) 50 b-fuil 'DiAititjuib Ajuf otii^i^pe Ai;r)
fut), A5uf X)] fulivin búit)t} fiAbAO &i5ir) bo ciiii 011156;
A^uf feuc civ b-puil BnAU -l- cú 'pblPU rbic Cbuir)AiU, 50
3-ciqiifin7Ír ciiisei, oiji t>i b-<^t)i)r<^ ^^1 FlO'^D fi'lU jU^^
i)lAitmuib; A5uf a Oi*5Aiit, AbAifi lé] bul le fi^bAO 50
*t)iAitrt7uib Ac^ A r)-i)oifte 6iv boc :" A5Uf a bubAiftc OfCAii

X\\) le B|tAT). i)0 CU15 B|tAr) fit) 50 flOfAC fifieolAC,

A5uf b'fill A t;-beiiteAÓ ai) c-fluA]5 roAjt tjAC b fAicfeAÓ
T^loijT) Í, Ajuf bo leAT) <t)iAitTT)uib A5uf ^í^í^IOOe A|t A I0113
30 ^livjOiS i)oi|ie ÓÍV boc, 5ufi cuift a ceAi;t; a tmicc

í)bl^T^")llbA A3Uf 6 ll)A coblA.

<t)o bio83 'DiAiirnuib Af a cobÍA at) catj fit), A3uf bo
^"iriS ST^^ItJi^e n)A|t At) 3-ceiibt)A, A3uf a bubAi^tc jtiA ;
" '^7> XV> BpAi) .}. CÚ "pblUU Tt)ic CbiirbAill, A3 ceAcc le
ItAbAÓ cu3Aii)t)e |toiti) "pbjot)!) felt)." "3^^!*^ -^f ItAbAS
tl')»" <^n OT^^Iwe, " A3uf ceic." " Mj 3eubAb," Ait ^Diaii-
n)U]b, " ói|i t)í feívjtji liott) uAi|t bo beuitf a6 pjoi)!) ofirt)

11)^ At)01f, Ó TJAC b-pUll bul UA16 A3Art) '' 2l|t 1)-A clof fit)

bo 3bft^I')i)e bo 5Ab itArt)Ai) A3Uf itt)eA3lA i, A3uf b''iit)ci3

B|tAl) UACA. 2lt)1) fp) bo lAbAjfl Olfit) tt)AC "pbl')') ^3'^ ^

bubA]|ic : " if bA03Al búit)t) i)ac b-f uajji BpAt) f Aill it)<\
]:Í0i;uAi3i)eAf Alt 6ul 30 í)iAiirt)ii]b, A3Uf t)] fuliv|it búii)i)
jtAbAÓ 6i3ii) oile bo cult 011130 ; A3uf feuc civ b-fuil
'peAit3Óiit, coifióe CbA0]lce.'' " 2lcA A3Att)fA/' Aii Ca-
oilce. 2l3Uf If AfblAió bo b] at) }'c<vii3Óiit fit), 3AC 3IA08
bix i)-bioi)3t)AS bo cluii)ci8o if i)a rit] cmucAib ceub fC\

' This idiom is almmlantly introduced in En;;lis]i by tlie Irish ; as,

Go

spoke Fionn, and what he said was : " Well I wot W'here
Diannuid and Grainne shall be found now, that is in Doire
dlia bhoth." Oisin, and Oscar, and Caoilte, and Diorrning,
the son of Dobhar Damhadh O'Baoisgne, were listening- to
Fionn speaking those words, and Oisin spoke, and what he
said was : " We are in danger lest Diarmuid and Grainne
be yonder, and we must needs send him some warning ;
and look where Bran is, that is the hound of Fionn Mac
Cumhaill, that we may send him to him, for Fionn himself
is not dearer to him than Diarmuid ; and, Oscar, tell
liim to go with a warning to Diarmuid, who is in Doire
dha bhoth ;"' and Oscar told that to Bran. Bran understood
that with knowledge and wisdom, and went back to the
hinder part of the host wdiere Fionn might not see liim, and
followed Diarmuid and Grainne by their track until he
reached Doire dha bhoth, and thrust his head into Diarmuid's
bosom and he asleep.

Then Diarmuid sprang out of his sleep, and awoke
Grainne also, and said to her : " There is Bran, that is the
hound of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, coming with a warning to
us before Fionn himself." "Take that warning," said
Grainne, " and fly." " I will not take it ," said Diarmuid,
' ' for I would not that Fionn caught me at any [other] time
rather than now, since I may not escape from him."
Grainne having heard that, dread and great fear seized her,
and Bran departed from them. Then Oisin, the son of
Fionn, spoke and said : " We are in danger lest Bran have
not gotten opportunity nor solitude to go to Diarmuid, and
we must needs give him some other warning ; and look
where Fearghoir is, the henchman of Caoilte." " He is
with me," said Caoilte. Now that Fearghoir was so,' [that]
every shout he gave used to be heard in the three nearest

it is the way he was ; it is how he was ; it is what he said was such and
such a thin?.

60

1)eA|*A 60 &. 2IOU \'V) bo CUjflCAbAtl b'p]ACAlb Ajjt C|ti

5IA016 bo lé]5eAi) A|t co|t 50 5-clu]i)peA6 í)]A|ttT)U|b í^.
í)o ciiaIa]6 «DjAiinjuib 'peAjt^oiit, A5iif bo éúifij '^]iis]^\)e
Af A cobÍA, A^u]* ]|' 6 ]io ]i<\]S : "bo cliiii)|n7 coi|*i6e
CbAOilce rh]C }ioi)\]\), A-^ny ]f a b-|:ocAT|t CbAOjlce ACiv
1*&, A5u|* ]y A b-pocAi|i y-bir)r) Aciv CaoiIcc, A5uf t|* |tAb-\8
fo ACO biv cu|t cujArDrA Tto^n) pbiorjr)." "3AbfA at) jtAbA^
X]r)}" A|t 3T*^1t)t)6. " Ni jeobAb," A|t ^DiAitn^uib, " ói|t i)í
^úi3peAn) AT) bo]]ie fo 50 rr)-be]iii6 y^]O^T) A5Uf "piAtitjA
B^jieATjr) o|i|tu]r)i)," A^ur bo ^Ab uArbAT) A^uf ^njeAslA n7Ó|t
3l«<^lTji)e A|t t)-A clof r^? ^1-

Í)ívIa }^blT)t), bo bé|t f^euU of Ajtb. Nioft f5uitx boi)
lo|t5A])ieAcc T)ó 50 |tí^ii)i5 'Doiite 6ív boc, A5Uf bo cujii

clAr)T)A 1)A b-BATbt)A A|*CeAC bO CA]fb]0ll At? bO^fie, A5Uf

bo cor)CAbAft í)]AftiT)u|b a5u]' beAT) ]t)A ^ocAjit. T^ivnSAbAji
cAfi A i)-<vii* Ajiit* rr)Ajt A ]tA]b'pioi)r) a^ui* "pjAijijA 6i]ieAr)i),
Asm* b'piApftu]5'piOf)t) b^ob Ai) jtAjb i)iA|iTi7uib TD^ 3?^^^'''^^
If At) bo]fte. " 2lriv <t)iA|in7uib aw," a|i n^^' " ^5"r
ACÍV beAt) &i3]n |i}a ^ocAift, ójit A]coi5tt}íb I0115 í)blA|itTju-
bA, A5u|* t)] A]Cij]5rT7Íb I0115 3bTií^1T)i)e." " N^jt |tA]b
Tt)Aic A3 ci^i|tbib ^DblAltnjubA Ui í)buibt)e a|i a fopfAt)/'
A|i }^]Oi)t), " A5iif \)i ^úi3p]6 fé At) boijie t}ó 50 b-cu5A]8
bio5Al bATbfA Ar)t) 5AC i)i6 biv i)-beix|t|tr)A ye 0|iti)."

" jj* tT}ÓTt Ai) C0Tb<v]tcA eubA Óu^cfe, A pblt?!}/' Aji 0]fiu,

" A CUI3|*]T) 30 b-pA1)pA6 <DlA]ttT7U]b Afl TbACA]Tie 2t)bAeU-

«711130 A3u|* 3AI) bo 6Aii)3eAt) Ai)t) acc i)oi|ie óí\ boc, a3u|'
cu|*A t:;\ i)-A cotbAiii." " Ni Tr&i|i|ibe Óíbfe y]r), a O]-
fiu," A]t Y]ot)\-), " A3uf ir n^Ajc bAictiigeAffA i)A cui
3IA016 bo lé]3 31oIIa CbAO^lce ^y, 3u|i y]hye bo cu]]t rrjAjt
|t<\bA8 30 l3iA|iniuib ^Ab, A3uf 3u|i y]h bo cu|]i 1170 cu p&pj
.]. B|tAi) le jiAbAÓ o]lc cui3e; acc 17] péifijtbe S]h aou
jtAbAÓ Ojob fúb bo CH|t 011136, ói|t ui •^ú]3f 16 yc í)o||ie

' /l>t Eamhuin, now calleil in English Navan, a well known town
in the county of Meatii.

67

cantreds to him. Then tliey made liim give three shouts,
in order that Diarinuid might hear hmi. Diarmuid heard
Fearghoii', and awoke Grainne out of lier sleep, and what
he said was : " I hear the henchman of Caoilte Mac Ronain,
and it is by Caoilte he is, and it is by Fionn that Caoilte
is, and this is a warning they are sending me before Fionn."
" Take that warning," said Grainne. " I will not," said
Diarmuid, ''for we shall not leave this wood until Fionn
and the Fenians of Erin overtake us :" and fear and gTeat
dread seized Grainne when she heard that.

As for Fionn, I will tell [his] tidings clearly. He de-
parted not from the tracldng until he reached Doire dha
bhoth, and he sent the tribe of Eamhuin' in to search out
the wood, and they saw Diarmuid and a woman by liim.
They returned back again where were Fionn and the Fe-
nians of Erin, and Fionn asked of them whether Diarmuid
or Grainne were in the wood. " Diarmuid is there," they
said, " and there is some woman by him, [who she is we
know not] for we know Diarmuid' s track, and we know not
the track of Grainne." " Foul fall the friends of Diarmuid
O'Duiblme for his sake," said Fionn, " and he shall not
leave the wood until he give me satisfaction for every thing
he has done to me."

" It is a great token of jealousy in thee, Fionn," said
Oisin, " to tliink that Diannuid would stay upon the plain
of Maenmhagh,''^ seeing that there is there no stronghold
but Doire dha bhoth, and thou too awaiting him." " That
shall profit you nothing, Oisin," said Fionn, " and well
I knew the three shouts that Caoilte's servant gave, that it
was ye that sent them as a warning to Diarmuid ; and that
it was ye that sent my own hound, that is. Bran, with ano-
ther warning to him, but it shall profit you nothing to have

* Maenmhagh. This was the name of a large level tract lying round
Loughrea in the county of Galway.

G8

ó(\ hot T)6 50 b-cu3Ai6 yé é)|i|c bAibr^'^ ^W 3<^<i V]^ ^'^
i;- boív jt|it)A f6 ofin), A5up At^i) 5^6 n)A|*lA6 bív b-cu3 í*é
ÓArb" *' ji* n)ó\i A1J bíccé|Ue óuic|*e, a pl)|t)n/' Afi Of-
5A|t Ti)Ac 0||-íij, " A n)eAf 50 b-f AijpAÓ <D]Aiin7u]b a|i U|t
At; n)ACA]jte 1*0, A5iir cufA píx con)A]ft a C]I)u bo buAjt) be."
" C)xeub o]le bo 3eívjt]t atj boi|te aiijIaió y]r), aju]* bo
jiljrje 5A|tii6A cotT)6ATT)5|oi:) cluinj^ji be. a5U|- ]*eAcc
t)-bói|tf*e blúcA CAolcuri)Ar)5A ajíi? a^ui* cia A5UTi)t;e, a
<t)b]A|itr)u]b, A5ÍV b-fuil Aij pí|tii;t;e. rrjn'e ijó Or3A]x ?" Aji
)-|oi)t). " Míojt CAiUji-j-e c'Aiéf;e rbA]c A|iiArb, a pblt)»?."
A|i <^D|Anrf)U]b, " A5Uf cívin^fe A5UC 3^^10t)e Ar)i) |-o."
2li;i; i'iD A bubAjiic "plot;!) le "piAtjuA^b 6i}ieAiju ceACC
cjnjcioU <t)biAiin)ubA A5UC a JAb^il bo pé]i). Ko éi]tl5
•iDiAiinniib ]t)A f-eAfAri) iA|t f]i;, A5Uf cu5 cft] PÓ5A bo
5bn<^iwe A b-piAÓuu]fe 'pblUO A5u|- i)A "PéiDue, 5u|v 5Ab
b05A6 eubA A5uf Ar)bpAii;t)e Y]0])\) a5<\ ^aici*|T) |-]i) bo,
A5ur A bubAjfic 50 b-c]ubftA8 't)]A|irt)U]b a ceAiji) A|t foi)
DA b-pó5 rit).

*DívIa ^lonjut'A A1) Bblvo5A, .]. ojbe pojUnjcA iDbiAji-
Tt)ubA Uí í)buiboe, bo po|U|*]5eA6 60 atjijí* at) rt)-bttu5 ój*
Boji)!) At) ^iiAii* ii;a |tAib A ÓaIca, .]. 'D]A|tn)uib. ai; caí)
X]\j; AZJiir 1^^ 5'^"^ir '^ 5-co]tbbeAcc i;a 5A0ice 5lAi)-fruAi|te
A5U|* ^)] coibuu]6e bo |i]3r)e 50 }i'o^]v\'5 í)o||ie Óív hot. 2lr)t)
]-|i) bo CUA18 yc 5A1; piof b"Pb]ot;i:) ^rjiv b''"PblAi)i)Aib Biji-
eAi;i) 5uf Ai;) ]0\^^^ jijA jtAjb 't)iA|irt)U]b a5U|- '5]^'^]VVe,
Ajuf* bcAWACAf bo <t)blA|in)uib, A5uf ]|* é A bubA]]ic :
"Citeub ] Au cotbAiftle ]-o bo |ti3i)ir, a tbic Uj *Dbuibi)e?"
" 2lc;\," An í)iAiirt)U|b, "Tt;5|oi) ftj^ 6]]tcAi;i) b'eiilo^AÓ

' i.e. Aonghus of the I^rugli.

2 The Brugli, or palace, upon tlie Bojne (called also Brutjh «a Boinne,
or palace of tlie Boyne ; and in tiie Four Masters, A.M. 3371, simply
an Brngit, tiie palace), a place near Stackallan Bridge, county of Meatli.
Dr. O'Donovan tells us that the Book of Leinster states that Daghda
Mor, who ruled over Ireland for 80 years, had three sons, Aenghus,
Acdh, and Cormac ; who with him were buried at the Brugh, where the
mound called Sidh an Bhrogha was raised over them. This Aenghus
was held to be the presiding fairy of the Boyne.

69

sent him any of those warnings ; for lie shall not leave
Doire dha bhoth until he give me eric for every thing that
he hath done to me, and for every slight that he hath put
on me." " Great foolishness it is for thee, Fionn," said
Oscar the son of Oisin, " to suppose that Diarmuid would
stay in the midst of this plain, and thou waiting to take
his head from him." " What [who] else cut the wood thus,
and made a close warm enclosure thereof, with seven
tight slender-narrow doors to it ? And with which of
us, Diarmuid, is the truth, with myself or with Oscar ?"
quoth Fionn. "Thou didst never err in thy good judg-
ment, Fionn," said Diarmuid, "and I indeed and
Grainne are here." Then Fionn bade the Fenians of Erin
come round Diarmuid and take him for himself [i.e. reserve
him for Fiomi]. Thereupon Diarmuid rose up and stood,
and gave Grainne three kisses in presence of Fionn and of
the Fenians, so that a burning of jealousy and a weakness
seized Fionn upon seeing that, and he said that Diarmuid
should give his head for those kisses.

As for x'Vonghus an bhrogha,^ that is, the tutor in learning
of Diarmuid O'Duiblme, it was shown to him in the Brugh
upon the Boinn^ the extremity in which his foster-son, that
is, Diarmuid, then was ; and he proceeded accompanying
the pure-cold wind, and he halted not till he reached Doire
dha bhoth.' Then he went unknown to Fionn or to the
Fenians of Erin to the place wherein were Diarmuid and
Grainne, and he greeted Diarmuid, and what he said was :
" What is this thing that thou hast done, son of O'Duibh-
ne?" "This it is," said Diarmuid ; "the daughter of the king

3 Keating mentions a place called t5oine 6X\ hAO]i (Haliday's Ed. p.
380), and there are several townlands bearing the name of Derry in the
County of Galway. It is probable that Gojiie biv hoi was situated either
at Derrywee, barony of Kiltartan, or at Derryvookeel or Derradda,
both in the barony of Loughrea. Some copies read t)oi|io óA b.\oc,
which would be the locality named by Keating, and of which t?oir\e 8*
bor is most probably a corruption.

70

1(011) Ó r!-<V b-<^CA1fX A3(l|- ó f])\0})t), A5U|* l)] feott) ÓeOjt)

cív|t)i5 ]-í liort)." "2t)A|T-eA6, c^seAÓ &u]t)e ASUjb pív s^c
be^nt) bon) bftACfA,'' bo }\í\]6 2loi;5iif, " A5Uf beu|tpAbfA

llOtt) rib Af Al) AlC XV) ^ b-pUllcí 3AI) ^'lOr 5AI) Al|tlU5A6

b'"pb|OW liJív b'^bl^ijoAib 6i|teAi)r)/' " Be]]i|*e 3t^^11)')6
leAc," bo |tí^i6 í)] A|tn)U]b, " acc v] |tAC|:Ab|*A leAC 50 bjtíxé;
5l8eA6 rrjlx bínjfe Art) beACA^Ó bo lívcAijt leAijpAb cu, ajuj*
Tt)ut)A ti)-biAb, cui]t|*e OT^^IW^ cun) a b-AcA|t A5uf beuijAÓ
fé olc 1)0 n)A]t 6]."

21 b-A]cle 7*]t) bo cu]}t 2lot)5Uf* '^]i!\]r)r)e x'a he^tjx) a bjauic
511(1 5lu<\]f ]to(tbe 5At) ^iof b'"f})]ovv ]V'a b'T^blAijpA^b
6(fieAi;i}, A5uf t)] |iív]6ceA|% tS®"^ 0|t|tcA 50 |iívT)5AbA]t
Ro|* bív fo^leAc |t|f A |iívi6ceA(i iiiin)T)eAC Ai) cad fo.

Í)íiIa í)biA|iti7ubA, A|i T)-]n)ceAcc b'2loT)5Uf A3uf bo

3bp<^[t)l7e UA(6 b'él|í]5 jt)A COlAtbAT) bíjteAC ItJA C]|tC-

f*eA|*Arb, ^5«]* '^o 5*^^ ^ A(|in7 A5U|* a é^beAÓ A5Uf a ]ol-
^AobAji u(n)e. ]c^]x x]r) b']ot)t)fu]5 bojtu]* bo t)A feACC
i)-bó|ít|'ib ^reAÓA bo b] A|i at) T)5A]t]t6A, Ajui* ]to ^I^PT^^IJ
CjA bo bj A^ii. " Mí T)ATbA 6u]c A01) bu|r)e bív b-pu]l Aijt,"

A]t fjAb, " ÓI|l AC^ AVr) 1*0 O(fít) Tt)AC "pblVOj ^SU]* Of5ATt

n)AC 0]ríT), A5UC rT)A]ce cIaiji) BbAO]f5T)e ti7A|i aot) |iit)t)j
A5Uf SAbfA cu5AiT)r) ATTjAc, Asuf 1)] lívtbpAjt bíc, bOCA|t,
lT)ív bío5bív]l bo 6eur)Atb o(tc." " Ní seobAbfA cu5Aib/'
A|t í)(A|in)uib, " t;ó 50 b-pAjcpeAb c^a ai? bo]tuf A|t a
b-pujl 'pioijí) p6]T)." <D'(0í"^r"15 r^ bo(tur ^caÓa o(le,
A5Uf b'f*(Ap|tu]5 C(A bo bj Ani- '*2lcA CAO(lre idac
CbftAT)UACA]it rb(C Roi)ív[r), A5ur cIaooa Koijajr) mAyt AOt)
|t(r; A5ur 5AbfA cii5A]i)u aitjac, A5UC bo beu|ipAn) i-íiji)
^1^(1) Ajt bo f-oi)." " Nj 50obAbCA cu5Aib," A|t í)(Aitn)U]b,
"ó(|t 1JÍ cu((tpeAb n)]lleívi) A5 )^(Ot)i) o|i|tii(b]-e píx n)A]t

' Luimneacli was originally the name of the lower Shannon, e.g.
" Nl bem luiii)pccl) irofi «% bnu|iv,"
The Luinineach bears not on its bosom,

(Poem in Four IMasters, A.D. 662.)

71

of Erin has fled privily with me from her father and from
Fionn, and it is not of my will that she has come with me."
" Then let one of you come under either border of my
mantle," said Aonghus, " and I will take you out of the
place where ye are without knowledge without perception
of Fionn or of the Fenians of Erin." " Take thou Grainne
with thee," said Diarmuid, " but as for me, I will never
go with thee ; howbeit, if I be alive presently I will fol-
low thee, and if I be not, do thou send Grainne to her
father, and let him do her evil or good [treat her well or ill]/'

After that Aonghus put Grainne under the border of his
mantle, and went liis ways without knowledge of Fionn or of
the Fenians of Erin, and no tale is told of them until they
reached Eos da shoileach which is called Luimneach' now.

Touching Diarmuid, after that Aonghus and Grainne
had departed from him, he arose as a straight pillar and
stood upright, and girded his arms and his armour and his
various sharp weapons about him. After that he drew near
to a door of the seven wattled doors that there were
to the enclosure, and asked who was at it. " No foe to
thee is any man who is at it." said they [who were with-
out], " for here are Oisin the son of Fionn, and Oscar the
son of Oisin, and the chieftains of the Clanna Baoisgne
together with us ; and come out to us, and none will dare
to do thee harm, hurt, or damage." " I will not go to
you," said Diarmuid, '* until I see at which door Fionn
himself is." He drew near to another wattled door, and
asked who was at it. " Caoilte the son of Crannachar Mac
Ronain, and the Clanna Ronain together with him ; and
come out to us and we will give ourselves [fight and die]
for thy sake." " I will not go to you," said Diarmuid,
" for I will not cause Fioim to be angry AAÍth you for well-
but about the year 830 the name was applied not to the river but to the
city. Kos da shoileach means the promontory of the two sallows, and
was anciently the name of tiie site of the present city of Limerick (vide
O' Flaherty's O'jyjia.)

bo 6eut)ATT) ÓArb V^V)-" i^Vwr^IS V^ &0|iur ^reAÓA oile,
A5uf b'^]Ap|iu|5 C]A bo h] A]ft. " 2lcix Ai)t)fo Cotjivt) n)AC

pbir)') LjAcluACItA A3Uf clAt)I)A 2t)ó|t|t1)A n)A|l AO») |t]f ;

^5"r n* Vi^]mbe b"pblor)i) fiDU, A5ur ir ^mv^ h^vy 3<5 T^ófi
cufA ii;a é ; A^uf* A]t ai) AObAjt y^t) 5Ab|*A cujAi^t) An^Ac.
A5uf T)i UrbpA]! buA]!) ]iioc." " H] 5eobA& 50 be]W]\)"
A|t i)]A^TT)u]b. " ói|t bo b'freivpit le "piouo bivf 5AC r)-^u]})e
Ajuibfe ^rjív n)]fe bo léisior) Af." í)'ioT;r)|-u]3 fé bO|tur
feAÓA oile, A5U|- b'^iApfiu^^ cja bo bi a]\i. " Cajia A5ur
cóiTT)céile Óu^cfe acív at)T), -t. T^ioiirj njAC CbuAÓíxin tt)]c
2t)bu]'icA8A,|ii3-^*éiT)r)i6e "pbl^w 2t)bun)AT), A5uf Atj'pbl^')')
2t)bu|rbr)eAC rT)A^ AOt) |ii|* ; a5u|* Aot) q|t A5UI* aot) caIatt»
6ú|tjT) pé]T) A3UI* bu]c]'e, a *t)blA|tn7uib, A3uf bo beu|ipArtj

iV|V 3-CU]|ip A3U|* ^]t T)-At)niA OftCfA A3Uf A|t bo f-O))."

'*Mi 3eobAb|*A cu3A]b ahjac," a|i C)iA]irr)U]b, " oiji i;]
cii]|ipeAb ^aIa A3 "pioi)r) |t]b ^ív rbAic bo 6euT)ATb oiim
pé[t)." <t)'i0T)r)]*iv]5 ye bo]tuy ^reAÓA o]\e, Ar^uy b'fr|Ap|iu]3
c^A bo b] A^jt. " 2lciv Plot)!) TT)AC ^blójjt, |i]5-^éiT)r)i6e

"pblAT)!) UUa6, A3Uf Au'pblAUU UUcAC n)C^]i AOt) |tl|* ; A3Uf

3AbfA cu3A]r)T) AiTjAC, A3Uf r)i liirbpAji ^ujI^usao jijiv fO|[i-
6eA|i3A6 Ofic." ** M^ 3eobAb|*A cu3Aib," Afi *t)iAjtrr)u]b,

*' Ó]Jt ]y CA]tA OATH CU|*A A3U|* cVcA]]t, A3UI* V']0\t n)i^]t

l\on) eA|-3cA]]tbeAf 'pblOO &o be]c T}]hye Aji tt)o yo^) f&iu-"
Ro ]0t)ijf*ivi5 ^OT^wf t^^AÓA o]le, a3U|* b'p]Ap|tu]3 cja bo bi
A|(i. *' N] CA]tA óiiicfe Aor) bu|t)e biv b-pii]l ATjr)." aji fiAb,
" ói|i ACÍV Ai)r) |*o 2I08 boA3 ót) 6Arbuii), A3u]* 2lo6 pAbA or;
BAmiqi}, A3Uf CaoI c|ió&a 6\) 6ATbii]i), A3uf ^ojueAC ót)
6ATbii|i), A3u|* 3ocai) 3il-rbeujtAc ói) BAiijiqi), A3uf 2ioipe
l"310') ^bocivji) 3]l-rbcuit<.\]3 óu6atÍ7uii), a3u|* CuAbivt) lo|i-

' These were the coininandcrs of the claniia Morna or Fenians of
Connacht who had a feud witli Fiona.
- Munstcr.
3 Ulster.
* Short Aodh.
» Tall Aodh.

73

doing- to myself." He drew near to another wattled door,
and asked who was at it. " Here are Conan the son of
Fionn of Liathluachra,' and the Clanna Morna together
with him ; and we are enemies to Fioim, and thou art far
dearer to us than he, and for that reason come out to us,
and none will dare meddle with thee." " Surely I will not
go," said Diarmuid, " for Fionn had rather [that] the death
of every man of you [should come to pass], than that I
should be let out." He drew near to another wattled door,
and asked who was there. " A friend and a dear comrade
of thine is here, that is, Fionn the son of Cuadhan mac
Murchadha, the royal chief of the Fenians of Mumha,^
and the Momonian Fenians together vnth. him ; and we are
of one land and one country with thee, Diannuid, and
we will give our bodies and our lives for thee and for thy
sake." "I will not go out to you," said Diarmuid, ''for
I will not cause Fionn to be displeased with you for well-
doing to myself." He drew near to another wattled door
and asked who was at it. "It is Fionn the son of Glor,
the royal cliief of the Fenians of Ulladh,^ and the Ultonian
Fenians along with him ; and come out to us, and none
will dare cut or wound thee." " I will not go out to you,"
said Diarmuid, "for thou art a friend to me, and thy fa-
ther ; and I would not that ye should bear the enmity of
Fionn for my sake." He drew near to another wattled
door, and asked who was at it. "No friend to thee is any
that is here," said they, " for here are Aodh beag* of Eam-
huin, and Aodh fada^ of Eamhuin, and Gaol crodha^
of Eamhuin, and Goineach^ of Eamhuin, and Gotlian
gilmheurach* of Eamhuin, and Aoife the daughter of Go-
than gilmheurach of Eamhuin, and Cuadan lorgaire^

6 The slender brave one.

' The wounder.

8 The loud-voiced whitc-fingcrcd.

» The tracker.

74

5Ai|ie ó\) 6<xri)uii), A5ur If luce b|cceAUA oficfA f*ii)i) ;
<i3uf biv n5eobcix|*A cu5A]1}u AtrjAC bo oeuij^AnjAO]]' 5011;
3AlU]t) 5Ar) civi|tbe 6Í0C." " Olc At) biqÓeAi) acív atju,"
A|t <DiAjttt)U]b, " A luce i)A bfteise, A5Uf i)a loft5Ai|teACCA,
A5UI* t)A leAC-b|tói5e ; A5uf i^i b-é gasIa bA]% lixjrbe ACiv
o|tn), Acc le ^e]xr)C]or) oitjiuib t?AC r)-^eoh<K]m cusAjb Art}AC."
Po iot)t)fu]5 boftuf t^eAÓA oile a5u|- b'pjA^ftuis c^a bo b^
Ai|i. "M] cA]tA óu^c Aot) biv b-puil At;r)," A|i rjAb, " Ó]]l

ACÍV A1)T) rO 'p]OI)T) TT)AC CbuTtJAlU ri^jC 2l|JlC ri)|C "Cblteut)-

ri)ói|v Uí BbA0if5t)e, A3ur ce]t]ie ceub An^uf n^Ait aoi) ^iii- ;
A5uf If luce bicceAt)A oftcfA r]VV, A5uf biv rjseobciv cu-
5AiT)i) ArT)Ac bo 6eui)pAn)A0)f fiDjOft fofSAjlce 6ioc." "iDo
bei|i|rt)fe ti)0 b]t]ACA|t," A|t í)iA|trT)uib, " SujtAb & ai?
boftuf ^r)A b-|:uil cufA, a pblt)t)' ^V ceub bO|tuf ]T)a
t;5eobAbfA Afi tjA bói|tfib." 2l|i i)-a clof X]X) b'pbior)!),

b'pUA5Al|t biV CACAlb A b-p&|t) A TT)-biVIf A5Uf A TT)-buAlt}-

eu5A 5A1) í)iAjirt7U]b bo lé]-^]orj t!\]iy£>. 5A1; fr|Of bó|b. 21^1
T)-A clof f]r) bo t)bl'Ali»t)uib, |vo &i|i]5 bo bA0icl&]n7 i^iytb
ú]|ieubcíiuin) b'ú|ilATjrjAib a f'leA5 A5uf bo c|tAt)T)Aib a

CflA0|feAC A5Uf jtO CUA]Ó ]rr)C)AT) CA|t pblOW ^Z^V CA)t A

Tr)ii]i)ci|t Art)Ac 5A1) ^lOf 5AI) A]fiiu5A6 Óóib- Ko ^euc cA^t

A All* 0|l|lCA A5Uf b'fUAJATtt ^O^b é pé]t} bO 6ul C^ltfA, A5Uf

|to cu]|i A ]*5iAc A]t fbuAi5lei|t5 a 6]iorDA 5u|i sIua]]* ^'^ry
iv]lib fiA|i 5ACA i)-bi|ieAc; A5uf i)i |:AbA t^o b] A5 bul Af
jtAOAjtc T^bliJO A5Uf tjA péir)t)e. 2li)r) f]r) Ti7A|t tjAC b-f saca

C^C A|l A 10|15, b'^jll CA|t A A]f TT)A|l A b-]:eACA 2loi)5Uf

A5uf 3li^l')')<^ A5 ]n)ceAcc Af ao bojite, A5uf |to leAt) a|i a
lo]t5 ]Ab 50 |t&inj6]^eAc no 50 |ti^ii)13 Hoy b'<\ fojleAC.

' Literally, we would make the wounding of a gallan of thee, an ob-
scure plirase. A yallan, called in some districts dallan, is a druidical
pillar-stone, and tradition says that the Fenians used to vie with each
other in casting them beyond a mark. The tribe of Eamhuin must Iiave
meant either that they would render Diarmuid as dead ns a gallan, or
that they would dispose of him as easily as they would cast one.

* An expression of great contempt.

75

of Eamhuin ; and we bear thee no love, and if thou
wouldst come out to us we would wound thee till thou
ehouldst be like a gallan,^ without respite." " Evil the
company that is there," said Diamiuid, "0 ye of the lie,
and of the tracking, and of the one brogue ;'» and it is not
the fear of your hand that is upon me, but from enmity to
you I will not go out to you." He drew near to another
wattled door, and asked who was at it. " Here are Fionn
the son of Cumhall, the son of Art, the son of Treunmhor
O'Baoisgne, and four hundred hirelings' with him ; and we
bear thee no love, and if thou wouldst come out to us we
would cleave thy bones asunder."^ " I pledge my word,"
said Diarmuid, " that the door at which thou art, Fionn,
is the first [i.e. the very] door by which I will pass of [all]
the doors." Having heard that, Fionn charged his batta-
lions on pain of their death and of their instant destruction
not to let Diarmuid pass them without their knowledge.
Diarmuid haAdng heard that arose with an airy, high, ex-
ceeding light bound, by the shafts of his javelins and by
the staves of his spears, and went a great way out beyond
Fionn and beyond his people without their knowledge or
perception. He looked back upon them and proclaimed to
them that he had passed them, and slung his shield upon
the broad arched expanse^ of his back, and so went straight
westward ; and he was not long in going out of sight of
Fionn and of the Fenians. Then when he saw that they
followed him not, he returned back where he had seen
Aonghus and Grainne departing out of the wood, and he
followed them by their track, holding a straight course,
until he reached Ros da shoileach.

* Hirelings. The word avihut means a madman or violent person,
and also a mercenary soldier and amhsaine is mercenary service.

* Literally, we would make opened marrow of you.

* S6UA5 means an arch, as is evident from the use of tlie word in old
manuscripts where rouAsborvur is aj)plied to the arched door of a church-

Ci\obfolll|r ]t)A &-CIT1)CI0ll, A5Uf rO]ftC CC1I)I)CA6 C|teACAl)-

ti)óijie Aji b-pv\bu5<\6 ]t;A b-p]A8Tjuii*e, A5Uf IcAC cu||tc A|t
beA]iAib Aco. Ko bi>AT;iHi|5 'DiAitn^uib bóib, A5u|* ]X ]xo beA5
i)AC T;-beACAi6 bpAbivi) a bcACAÓ ca]i boul obrii^1')i)e |te
luc^tviii |ioitT)i)blAiin7H]&. Ro ii;i)|]*C)iA|tti7uib bó]b a T*5eiilA
Ó cú|f 50 be^fteAb, a5u|* ]to cAiceAbAjt a 5-cu]b At) 0|óce
y]\), Asm* ]to cuA]6 iDiAiirt^uib a5U|* 3^^1UUe bo coblAÍ? fte
cé|le 50 b cívir)i5 at) liv 50 tj-a líM)CfO]llfe Aji tj-a tpíxtiac.
í^*' t^IMJ ^loTjjuf 50 xtjoc Ajui* ]]♦ é A bubA)]tc |ve *t)iA|t-
tt)u|b: " BjAb pelt; A5 ]tt)ceACC peA|-bA, a n)]c \X] ^\)ii]h])e,
Ajuf* fiii5bA]rT) bo corbAjjile A5Ab 5AI) bul a 5-cjtAt)r) AOi;
cojfe bo ce]ceATb ]to]it; 'pbiotjt;, A5Uf 5AI) bul a i)-uA|tb
CAlrbAi) T)AC rt;-b|A6 ui|t|tce acc AOt) bofiu|-, A'^uy 5AI) bul
A thoile^t; n^AjtA t;AC tt}-bi<\6 ai;i) acc aoi; z-yl]-^e bi\ tot;i)-
|-A]5i6; Ajuf 5l6bé ívjc ]t)A rfj-b|iuicpi)i bo cuib, i)i\|iAb
ai;t) a CAjcpiji j ; ASuf 5i&b6 i\]Z p^A 5-CAicn|t. tj^xftAb ai)u
A lu|6pi]t; A5U|* 5Í6bé A^c it)A lu]6|i]]i, tjixjiAb At)t) éifteo-

CAlfl A\i t)-A TbiV|tAC." Fo C|0tT)A11) CeAb AJUf CejleAbtlAO

6óib, A5u|- |io sluA]]* itoitt^e a b-^l^le f]i). 9li)\) y]\) ]io
5Ab i)iAritt)U]b A^uf 3^^iwe U]ti) Oe]}- |tic At) SiotMir»)

|*|A|l, t)Ó 50 ■|tAt)5AbA|l ^^^flli-^bA t)A b-'plAt)!), itji* A y\\]6-

ceA|i LeAti)At) At) cAt) yo ; A5ur |to ti)A|ib i)|Aitn)uib b|tAbixt)
A|i bftuAC t)A l-eArbA]t)e, A5U]* |to cu]|i Aft bio|i biv bfiuc 6.

2ll)T) fjl) |tO CUA16 p&|t) ASUj* 3ri^l')')e CA|t At) fJtUC At)Ot)t) b^
CA]CCAlt), tt)A|l A bubAjftC 2loi)5U|* |l]u; A5Uf Af fjl) |tO

' Both is a hut or booth, and its diminutive bothan is a cabin. This
word enters into the composition of many names of places in Ireland,
as Teampall na seanbhoithe, (Templcshanbo, county of Wexford) ;
Kath-bhoth (Raphoe, county of Donegal). The Scotch Highlanders
have anglicised it by Bothie.

* Aonghus meant by this that Diarnmid should change his place uf
sleeping during the night.

' The Shannon. This anglicised form is taken from the genitive case
of the Irish name wliich is Sionann ; it is also sometimes made Sionainne.

* The rough river of the Fenians. Tlie river Leamhaii is called in

77

lie found Aoiif^hus and Grainne there in a warm well-
lighted hut/ and a great wide-ilaming tire kindled before
them, with half a wild boar upon spits. Diarnmid greet-
ed them and the very life of Grainne all but fled out
through her mouth with joy at meeting Diarnmid. Diar-
muid told them his tidings from beginning to end ; and
they ate their meal that night, and Diarmuid and Grainne
went to sleep together until the day came with its full
light on the morrow. Aonghus arose early, and what
he said to Diarmuid was : "I will now depart, son
of O'Duibhne, and tliis counsel I leave thee ; not to go into
a tree having [but] one trunk, in flying before Fioun ; and
not to go into a cave of the earth to which there shall be
but the one door ; and not to go into an island of the sea
to which there shall be Imt one way [channel] leading ; and
in whatever place thou shalt cook thy meal, there eat it
not ; and in whatever place thou shalt eat, there lie not ;
and in whatever place thou shalt lie, there rise not on the
morrow."^ He took leave and farewell of them, and went
his ways after that. Then Diarmuid and Grainne journeyed
with the Siona^ on their right hand westward until they
reached Garbh-abha na bh-Fiann,* which is called Leamhan
now ; and Diarmuid killed a salmon on the bank of the
Leamhan, and put it on a spit to broil. Then he himself
and Grainne went over across the stream to eat it, as Aon-
ghus had told them ; and they went thence westward to

English Laune, and flows from tlie lake of Killarney into the sea at
Castlcmaine harbour. Many of the loughs and rivers of Ireland are
by tradition supposed to have had a miraculous origin, or to have sud-
denly appeared. The Four Masters mention under A.M. 4169, the
sudden breaking forth of five rivers, and amongst them of the Leamh-
han, viz — " It was in the time of Sirna, also, that there happened
the eruption of the Scirtach, in Leinster ; of the Doailt, in Crich Rois ;
of the Nith, in Magh Muirtheimhne; of the Leamhan, in Munster;
and of the Slaine, in Ui Creamhthainn." The Scotch have anglicised
the same name, Leven.

78
cuAÓbAfi y]A\i bo co&Uó. Ro é|]ii3 í)iA|irDuib A^ur

3n^1t)l)e 50 mOC Alt t)-A TbíV|tAC, A3Uf ^O 5AbAbA|l fjAfl

3ACA r)-bífieAC 50 ]U\t)5AbA|t bo5AC *pbiT)t)-l&]ce, ^311^ z!x]\Ia
Ó3IAC o|tjtcA A|t At) n)-bo3AC, A3u|* bA tb<vic é beAlb a3u|-

beupAIT) At) Ó3IAIC fit), ACC t)AC jtAjb A 6]ol b'A|in)Alb it)ív

b'é]beAÓ A]3e. 2lt)i) fit) |to beAt)i)u]5 í)]A|tTt)uib bot) Ó3IAC
T*lt> <'^5"r ^^l<'^ft*"15 rseuÍA 6e. " O5IAC acív A3 iAfi|XAi6
ci3eA|it)A tt)é," A|t fé, " A3Uf í^uAÓívt) TD'Aii)tt)." " Cjteub
bo óeut)pAi|i bAtt) A ó31aic?" A|t <DiA|tti)UTb. '' í)o 6ét)
3]oUA|3eACc fAT) ló, A3U]* pAijve fAi) oióce 6u]c/' a|i
2t)uAÓívt). " 21 bei|iitt)fe ]i]Oz pofb ai) C-Ó3IAC f]))/' aji
3n^lt)t)e, " ó||i i)í 3At) tt)u]i)ciit bo bjAifv bo fíoft." 2lt)t)
fli) |io |i]3i)eAbA|x ft)Á6rt)At)i)A cu]|t A3uf ceAt)3Ail jte
cé]le, A3U|* |xo 3AbAbA|i itótrjpA fjA^i 30 |tívt)5AbAíi ad

Cbí^lt|tCACj A3UI* rt)Aíl ]tíVt)3AbA]t At) fftUC, |tO TA|X|l 2t)u-
AÓÍM) A|t 'Dbl<>']^n)W]b A3Uf A|l 'Sh]}^]Vn^ í>ul A|X A TÍ)U]t) 30

ti)-beuppA6 CAjif At) ft^uc At)ot)t) ]Ab. '' í)o bu6 tbofi ai)
c-uaIac 6u|c X]r)," Ajt 3t^^H)')í^) ^UI) fl'? í^o cu]|t í)]A|t-
Tt)u]b A3U|* 3^^1We ^^T^ A ttjuir) ^3111* bo |tu3 CA|if At) y\iiit

At)Ot)t) ]Ab. Ko 3luAlfeAbA|l ]tOrt)pA |-IA|t 30 |tílt)3AbAlt At)

Bb^ic, A3uf tt)A|i |tívt)3AbA|i Ai) Y]iut bo iti3i)e 2t)uA6<\t)

t1)Aft At) 3-Ceubl)A |t]U, A3Uf bO CUA6bA|l A t)-UA]tÍ) CAltt)A1)

A|t leAc cAOjb CbutiTtAi5 cit)i) AÓrDuib óf c]ot)i) r^u|i)i)e
Cóitt)e, A3Uf |io cófiui3 2t)uAÓAt) leAbA bo bo3-luACA||i
A5U1* bo b^|i|i be]ce p^ í)blA|trt)uib A3Uf oh\i'^]W)e a

1)-lA]lCA|t t)A b-UAtf)A fit). Ko CUA]6 fé(t) |*At) b-fío6bA

' Finnliath. Now the river Lea, a small rivulet rising to the east of
Tralee; and being supplied by several mountain streams, it discharges
itself into Tralee bay, and is navigable up to that town at high water
for boats.

* forbAinj, means literally to stop, but also signifies to hire, agreeing
with the similar use of the French arrcter, and of the Kuglish retain.

' Carrthach. The river Carra, as it is called in English, rises on
the monntains of Dunkerron, and passing nortiierly through tiie
country called Glencare, through several romantic gkns, in some uf

79

sleep. Diarniuid and Grainne rose early on the morrow,
and journeyed straight westward until they reached the
marshy moor of Finnliath,' and they met a youth upon
the moor, and the feature and form of that youth was good,
but he had not fitting arms nor armour. Then Diarmuid
greeted that youth, and asked tidings of him. " I am a
young warrior seeking a lord," quoth he, " and Muadhan
is my name." " What wilt thou do for me, youth ?" said
Diarmuid. " I will do thee service by day, and I will
watch thee by night," said Muadhan. " I tell thee to re-
tain^ that youth," said Grainne, " for thou canst not always
remain without people [followers]." Then they made bonds
of compact and agreement one with the other, and journeyed
forth westward until thej^ reached the Carrthach f and when
they had reached the stream, Muadhan asked Diarmuid
and Grainne to go upon his back so that he might bear them
across over the stream. " That were a great burden for
thee," said Grainne. Then he [nevertheless] put Diarmuid
and Grainne upon his back and bore them over across the
stream. They journeyed forth westAvard until they reached
the Beith,^ and Avhen they had reached the stream Muad-
han did likewise with them, and they went into a cave of
the earth at the side of Currach cinn adhmuid,* over Tonn
Toime f and Muadhan dressed a bed of soft rushes and of
birch-tops under [for] Diarmuid and Grainne in the further
part of that cave. He liimself went into the next wood to

which it forms very considerable lakes; it empties itself into the bay of
Castlemaine.

* Beith. Now the river Behy in the parish of Glanbehy, the most
eastern in the barony of Dunkerron.

* Currach Cinn Ailhmuid, i.e., the woody headland of the bog. Not
identified.

6 Tonn Toime. Now Tomes, the seat of O'Sullivan Mor, who died
early in the present century, situated at the west end of Castle-Lough,
near Killarney ; and now occupied by liis descendants.

80

b»\ CÓltfM)eAVA 60, A^Uf (to bA|I) fUc ft&|6 frAbA CAOflCA|pT)

IDDce, Aju}' no cu]|t fiuAit)t)e ^t^u^ bubC\t) aji At) ]'Ui|c,
A5iif- jio cujft CAO|t cu|l|r)0 <^Il At) &ubC\T), a5U|- ]\o cuat6 of
ciouD Ai) c-]*fioc<\, A5Uf CU5 iAj-5 hot) buille y]\) ]X]X. Ho

CU|fl Al) bAJtA CAOft fUAf, AJUl* ]\0 n)A|tb At) &A|IA jAfJ ;
A5Uf |10 CUlfl At) ClteAj* CAOft rUAf, ASUf T^O TÍ)A1lb AT) CjlCAI-
|A|-5. Ko CUni At) bubiVt) A5Ur Al)|ftUAll)t)e }:'4. 1)-A C]X]OX,

A5ur Ai) c-rUr ir ^^i? b-poU, A3ur jio |tu5 A cfij ^irs nir

rDAfi A jtAjb í)iATXfDuib ASuf '3]}'<x]vr)e, Ajur ]10 cu]rt At)
c-iAf5 Aji beAtiAib. 2lt) cAi) ^ív b^tuicce &, a bubAntc
2t)uA6CM); "bo beffiift) |to]t)t) At) é\x-^ |-o 6uic, a 't)blA|i-
tt)uib." " )y feajtjt liort)fA cufA biv |toii)i) ii)iv rt)ó p^ii)."
Ajt <t)]A]irt)uib. " 2t)An-CA6," A]t 2t)uAÓívt). "bo beifutT)

iioit)t) At) éif5 ro i^iqcre, a 3bn^i')i)^-" '' Jr i<^<^i^ ^i<-^'i>

cu|-A biv ]toit)i)," Ajt 5T*^l')i)e- " 2t)AiroA6, biv rt)-bAÓ cufA
bo |ioii)i)f:eA8 At) c-]A|'5, a í)blA|vrT)uib," A|t 2l)uA6ai), *' bo
beujtpiv At) cii|b }:'A rt)ó bo 5bft^1We; A5uf b^ Ti)-bA6 j
'^]ii\]r)\)e bo b]A6 biv |to]i)i), ]f buicf*e bo beu]tpA6 At) cu]b
|:a rbó : aju]* or n)n-e acíi bív ]toit)t), b^oo At) c-iA|*5 ]i* tt)ó

ASAbfA, A OblAJlTT)Ulb, ASUf At) bA|lA b-fAfS IT "^^ A^

5ni^1t)i)e, A5Uf biob At) c-^Ars ir l"5<^ A5Ati) K^li)-" (Biob
A ^lOf A^Ab, A léijceoift, 5iifi có|ii)eub í)]Aitn)uib & y»]i)
5AT) cutDAr5 lie 5n^lUf)e, A3ur 31111 p;\3 i'é bio|i b'f:coil
3At) b|tuc A T)-i)oiite 6iv boc rt)A|t coii)A]tcA b"pbloi)i) ^3111'
boi) y^h^]m t)i\|i ciot)i)cui3 i-é lie 5n^lUi)e; Asuf 31111 ^-^3

At) bAllA peACC l^eACC tT)-bllAbi^l1) 3At) bjtUC Aft bflUAC t)A

ieAtbAft)e; 3UfiAb Afft fft) bo bftOfbuf3 'pfOi)t) it)A ÓfAfÓ).
Ko cAfceAbAft A 3-cufb At) ofbce ffi), A5uf fto cuAfb 'DfAft-
njufb Asuf '^\i'Ci]\)\)e bo coblAb a t)-]AftcAit t)A b "AtbA,
A3Uf bo iti5i)e 2t)uA6ixt) pAffte A3Uf poftcóftbeub bófb, 3uft
^IM5 ^'i ^^ "5^ '^"^ li^t)cfOfllfe A]i t)-A n)'A]iAc.

Ko éfftfS «DfAlttDUfb 30 tt)OC A3Uf ItO CUffl 3fii^lUi)c fDA
l-Ufbe, A3Up A bubAfftC ftfA l^Affte bo 6out)ATT) Afl fOI)
2^b«A62Vft). A3Uf 30 flACfTAb l-'éft) bo f'fubAl r)A CfflO fl)A

81

hiui, and plucked in it a Btraiglit lung rod uf a qaickeu
tree ; and he put a hair and a hook upon the rod, and put
a holly berry upon the hook, and went [and stood] over
the stream, and took a fish that cast. He put up the se-
cond berry, and killed the second fish ; and he put up the
third berry, and killed the third fish. He [then] put the
hook and the hair under his girdle, and the rod into the
earth, and took his three fish with him where Diarmuid
and Grainne were, and put the fish upon spits. When it
was broiled Muadhan said : "I give the dividing of this
fish to thee, Diarmuid." '•' I had rather that thou
shouldst divide it thyself," said Diarmuid. " Then," said
Muadhan, " I give the dividing of this fish to thee,
Grainne." " It sufiices me that thou divide it," said Grainne.
" Now hadst thou divided the fish, Diarmuid," said Mu-
adhan, " thou wouldst have given the largest share to
Grainne ; and had it been Grainne that divided it, it is to
thee she would have given the largest share ; and since it
is I that am dividing it, have thou the largest fish, Di-
armuid, and let Grainne have the second largest fish, and
let me have the smallest fish." (Know, reader, that
Diarmuid kept himself from Grainne, and that he left a
spit of flesh uncooked in Doire dlia bhoth as a token to
Fionn and to the Fenians that he had not sinned with
Grainne, and [know also] that he left the second time [i.e.
again] seven salmon uncooked upon the bank of the Leam-
han, wherefore it was that Fionn hastened eagerly after
him.) They ate their meal that night, and Diarmuid and
Grainne went to sleep in the further part of the cave, and
Muadhan kept watch and ward for them until the day arose
with its full light on the morrow.

Diarmuid arose early, and caused Grainne to sit up ;
and told her to keep watch for Muadhan, and that he him-
self would go to walk the country around. Diarmuid went

82

cirDcioU. Ko sluAii* 1DiAftrT}uib iiO)n)e, A3uf ]io cuAi6 ah
<v|ti) i)A culcA piv tJeAfA 60, A5UÍ* |to b] A5 ireucAio ')a
3-ceictte \j-ix\ib itjA t]n)c\o\l; njAji a bj, fO]|i A^\xy ri<^!*»
bA ceA]* A5ur bA cua^O. Mjoit C|ai) &o b] aw, 50 b-peA-
CA^O ]*Ai) iv]|tb AtJiAft 5ACA i)-bífieAC CAbUc njófi n)eA]t-
5ivi;cA, A5u|* lojOSeA]* lAt)Aióri)é]l A5 ceAcc cunj ci]te, A5Uf
11* é eoluj* bo |t]5oeAbA]t n^upjciii ad CAbÍAi^ A3 ceAcc a

b-Z]]i, ylX but) AT) CT)U1C lt)A jtAlb í)lA|trDUlb. 'C<M)5AbAtt

tjAoi i)Aor)bAiti bo ri)Aiqb At) caUais fit) a b-q^t, A5uf ]to
5luAir i)iA|itt)uib A3 iA|t]iAi6 rseul 0|i|tcA, A3U|' ]to beAD-
t)U|3 óójb, A3Uf |io friAp|iui5 ^3eulA ójob, civ ci|t t)ó caIatt)
Óófb.

" 'CPÍ l^15r^1t")1^e TDA|tA T)-J0CC riDOe," A|t riAb, " A3Uf

"pioi)!) TDAC CbuTÍ)Aill bo cu]-}} f3eulA o|iftuit)t) bajt l)-lA|t-
jtA^O, .]. t^03AC peAÓA A3uf feA]i bibpe]|i5e acív p6 ceilc
Ai5e, biv t)30i|tceAit <t)|A]trt)uib O <t)uibT)e; A3U|* i|* b^ cof3
fjT) bo civt)3Ati)A|t bot) co\i yo. 2l3u|* Ar&ib c|ii co]-r)ze
V]ive A3uiDt), A3ur léi3reAn) a]x a Iotx3 ]Ab, Asuf ]y ^eisji^
30 b-írui5eArí) a fseuU ; v] loif5eAt)t) ce]i)e, a3U|' t)] biv-

CAt)t) UirS^i ■AS^r t)i 6eA|t3A1)t) AjttT) 0|l|tCA ; A3U|* AcixmAO^b

^é]t) Ijoi) Piece ceub peA|v livibiji it)peA8tt)A, a3u|* if V^^V^
cott)lAiT)t) ceub 3Ac peAit A3Ait)t). ^suf ii)t)ir|-e 6úit)t) cja
cu felt), t)ó At) b-puil Aot) ^ocaI bo f5eulAib m]C U]

' Muir n-Iocht, i.e. the Iccian Sea, so called probably from the Roman
town in Gaul called Portus Iccius. It is thus mentioned by the Four
Masters, A.D. 405. " After Niall of the nine hostages, son of Eochaidh
Muighmheadhoin, had been twenty-seven years in the sovereignty of
Ireland, he was slain by Eochaidh, son of Enna Ceinnseallach, at Muir
n-Iochd, i.e. The sea between France and England."

* ^OT, is an attack or plundering, hence i^osac a marauder. The term
i:o5Ac reAÓA is equivalent to ceACAtttjAc cojlle, a wood kern ; or as he
was called later, a wood tory, and simply a tory, meaning a rebel. The
term arose from the Irish soldiery being reduced by war to live by plun-
dtr, and to shelter themselves in the forests.

» J^eAt» bibtreitise means a rebel, as does bibpeAnsAc, e.g. Four Mas-
ers, AD. 1557. " Another hosting was made by the Treasurer into

83

his ways, aiid went upon the height of the next hill to him,
and he stood gazing upon the four quarters around him ;
that is, eastward and westward, southward and northward.
He had not been long time there before he saw a great swift
fleet, and a fearful company of ships, coming towards the
land straight from the west ; and the course that the people
of the fleet took in coming to land was to the foot of the
hill upon which was Diarmuid. Nine times nine of the
chieftains of that fleet came ashore, and Diarmuid went to
ask tidings of them ; and he greeted them and enquired of
them news, of what land or what country they were.

" We are the three royal chiefs of Muir n-Iocht,"* said
they, " and Fionn Mac Cumhaill it is that hath sent for us
to seek us, [because of] a forest marauder,^ and a rebellious
enemy' of his that he has outlawed,* who is called Diar-
muid O'Duibhne ; and to curb him are we now come. Also
we have three venemous hounds, and we will loose them
upon liis track, and it will be but a short time before we get
tidings of him ; fire bums them not, water drowns them
not, and weapons do not wound them,* and we ourselves
number twenty hundi-eds of stout stalwart® men, and each
man of us is a man commanding a hundred. Moreover,
tell us who thou thyself art, or hast thou any word of the
tidings of the son of O'Duibhne ?" " I saw him yesterday,"

Fircall, to take vengeance upon Art O'Molloy for his protection of the
wood kerns (i)a ce]i-\p.T)e cojlle) and other insurgents (i)a tj-oibeAttccAc).

* Outlawed. Literally, whom he [i.e. Fionn] has hiding. This is an
Irish phrase meaning that Fionn had outlawed Diarmuid, and that con-
sequently the latter was on his keeping. Another expression for the
same is bejc ^n, co|Ucib A5 ve^c, (vide Caithreim Thoirdhealbhaigk) ,
i.e. for one man to have another under the woods, hence, to reduce him
to be a wood kern or outlaw.

* Literally, weapons do not become red upon them.

« 1i)peAón)A means of full and mature strength, hence, capable of
wielding arms efficiently ; from jn, fit for, and fe\i>\x), an exertion or
effort.

S4

«t)bH]t»)e A5Ab ?" " <t3o cotjDAftc Atjé'i é." Ajt «DiAfinjuib,
" Ajuf t}] ^u|l ]OT)t)An) péjt) Acc 5Air31óeAC ACÍV A5 riubAl
AT) botT7Aif) |ie líxib|teAcc mo liv]me A5iif ]ie cituAfJAf tt)o
cloi6]rb ; Ajuf ]y b|tiACA|t bAn^j-A i)ac livtb iS]]\]jyto i)|-
A^trniiib bo ceAr)5TT)ivil oii^tuib." " 2t)AifeA6, t)] yiiil Aon
buji^e A|t K«^5Ail Ai)t)," Afi ]'iAb|*AT). " Cív b-'^iniT) fc>íb
^réir) ?" A]t <t)iA]t!i7uib. " i)ub-co|*Ac, 'pionti-cofAc, a5u|-

'C]ieui)-CO^AC i^yi 1)-At)TT)Ar)T)A/' A|l Vl^^'

" 2lt) b-puil T^iot) ]i) bA|i lor)5A]b ?" Ajt í)iAiirnuib.
'•2lc^," A]t fiAb. "í)ív rtj-bAÓ Ajl ^i^b co^a ^orjA bo
CAbAiiic ArnAC," Ajt <t)iATtn7uib, " bo 6eur)pA]t)t) féiD cleAf
bib." }lo cuijteAÓ bAOjtje A5 -[AititAio At) corjoA, A5iir A^t
b-ceACc bo ]to CÓ5 C)iA|in)uib ib]|t a 6iv la]rb &, A5uf tio ib
beoc A|*, Aju]* |io ^beAbAjt c^c ai:» cujb 0]le Óe. Ko ró5

<DlA|ltT)Ulb AT) COUIJA TA|l y]\), A5UI* |XU5 le]f A|t TbullAC A1)
Ct)U]C é, AJUj* |tO CUA^O ^&|T) A|t A WUJl), A5U|* ]tO l&ij |ie
■píXrjAÓ AT) CT)U1C é T;Ó 30 llí^lT)]^ AT) CU]b ÍOCbAltAC bOT) CT)OC,
A^UJ* bo |tU3 Al) COI)T)A |t]J* A D-AJA^O AT) CI)U]C fUAf Ajlíf,

A5UÍ* bo \i]i^r)e ai) cleAj* ^-^t) c^ii b-iiA]ite a b-^*]A6T)AT|*e t)a

T)-Allrbu]tAC , AJll]* b'pAT) pe^T) Of C10I)T) AT) cor)i)A A5 ceACb

^5"r ^3 TtT)ceAcb bo. 21 bubjiAbAji 5Ufi b\\]i)e é t)Ac
b-|:eACA]6 aoi) cloAf A|i ^íO^rjArb Ait]ATT), ti)A|t 50 b-cu5 fé
cleAi' A]t AT) 5-cleAf f IT) ; ASiii- ]\]\- x]v Tto cuA]6 peATt
b^ob A]t AT) coi)T)A. Ro CU5 í)iA]irT)uib bu|lle biv co]y AT)t)f

AT) C0T)T)A, A5Uf bA luAlce A|l líV|l 6 1T)Í^ AT) COt)t)A A5 f |ubAl,
A5lir |10 T^JubAl AT) CODT)A A]t mU]\^ AT) OsIa^C fjT) 5U|l 1^13
A AbAC A3Uf A 10l)I)ACA|t |ie T)-A COI-A^b. 2l]lt }'}]) \\0 IcAT)
í)lA|ttT)Ulb AT) C01)T)A A3U]* |tU3 f UA|* Ajt'H* é, <'^3Ur 1^0 Cl»A]6
AT) bA^IA peAjt ACOfAT) Ajl A TT)U]T). 2l)<V|l C0T)T)A1]tC <t)lA|t-

nju^b y]r) ru3 bujlle ba cojf atjt). a3U|* T)iofi luAice at) ct»ub
■peA|i biv TÍ)A|tb<k6 iT)<v At) bAjTA |:eA|t bjob. Ko cuifi <t)iA|t-

This phrase could not possibly be literally rendered into English,
i.e. The black-footed, the fair-footed, and the strong-footed.

85

said Diarmuid, " and I myself am but a warrioi' who am
walking the world by the strength of my hand and the
temper of my sword ; and I vow that ye will have to deal
with no ordinary man if Diarmuid meets you."' " Well,
no one has been found [yet]," quoth they. " What are ye
called yourselves ?" said Diarmuid. " Dubh-chosach, Fionn-
chosach, and Treun-chosach^ are our names," said they.

" Is there wine in your ships?" quoth Diarmuid. " There
is," they said. " If ye were pleased to bring out a tun of
wine," said Diarmuid, "I would do a trick for you."
Certain men were sent to seek the tun, and when it was
come Diarmuid raised it between his two arms and drank
a draught out of it, and the others drank the other part of
it. After that Diarmuid lifted the tun and took it to the
top of the hill, and he himself mounted upon it, and caused
it to descend the steep of the hill until it reached the
lower part of it, and he took the tun up against the hill
again, and he did that trick three times in presence of the
strangers, and remained himself upon the tun as it both
came and went. They said that he Avas one that had never
seen a good trick, seeing that he called that a trick ; and
with that there w^ent a man of them upon the tun. Diar-
muid gave the tun a stroke of his foot, and he [i.e. the
stranger] fell to the ground before ever the tun began to
roll ; and the tun rolled over that young warrior, so that
it caused his bowels and his entrails to come out about his
feet.^ Thereupon Diarmuid followed the tun and brought
it up again, and the second man of them mounted upon it.
When Diarmuid saw that, he gave it a stroke of his foot,
and the first man had not been more speedily slain than
was the second man of them. Diarmuid urged the tun up

» Either Diarmuid must liave been very cunning, or the stranger very
et upid. His method of killing them, though eflScacious, was scarcely fair.

n)}X]b AT) COr)T)A |tlf fUAf Apif, A5Uf jtO CUA]b At) CtteAf feA|t

Aji A rijuir) 5u|t TT}A]tbA6 é ATTjAil cAc. 2lcc CeAtJA |lO
TDAftbAO CA05Ab bA n)u]t)C]yt ]te cleAf <t)blA|trnubA At) Ia
l«]D, A5U|* |to cuAÓbAjt At) n)éib i)A|i tT)A|vbAb biob bA loij-
jAib At) o|6ce X]r). Ko sluA^r <DiA|tn)u]t> a 5-ceAt)i) a
n)uit)ci|te ^&ii), A5ur |to cuiTt 2t)uAbAp a |tuAit)i)e Asuf a
bubixt) A|i A flujc, 3U|i tt)A|tbAb cpí bjxAbAir) jtif. Ko cui|t

AD C-flAC f At) b-poll, A5U|- At) |tU<\lt)T)e pA t)-A Cit]Of, A5Uf

beiiteAf At) c-iArs 30 <t))A]ttt)uib Asur 30 5ni^iwe, 3Uit
CAiceAbATt A b-pitoft)!) At) oibce tli?; ^S^^r T^*' cóftuis
2t)uAbAi) leAbAÓ ^A OblAtttt)UTb A3u|* pSi 3bi^^iwe a t)-ia^-

CAjt t)A b-"ATn<'^> ^3"r 1^0 CUAjb ^é]t) AJl 60|tUf t)A b-UAtt)A

bo beut)Att) pAjiie A3Uf po]tcó|tT)eubcA 6óib 5Ufi éjít|5 at) Ia

léttslAT) A|t T)-A tT)A]tAC.

Ko &1 fii5 í)]A]ttT)U|b 30 Tt)oc bo I0 A3uf bo lADCfoiUj-e Ajt

T)-A Tbi^llAC, A3Uf ]tO búl|*]3 3T1^^1'7í)6> 30 T)-bubA]|tC jl^A

-pAjiie bo beut)Att) bo 2t)buAÓí\T). Fo cuAjb péit) A|t tí)uUac

1)A CulcA Ceubl)A, A3Uf t)iO|t b-pAbA ]10 bC\ At)T) At) CAt)

cM)5AbA]t t)A cui T^é]Dt)i6e bA iot)t)rAi5ió, a3uí- |to ^iAp-
HU]3 biob At) t)-beut)|:AbAOif cu|lle cleA]*ui3eACCA. 21 bub-
|iAbA|t|-At) 30 tt)-b'peiv]t]t ^leo ^^ep) f3eulA Vi)]C \X] i)bu]bi)e
^'K^5<'»'1^ 1^^^ ri^^ " ^^ cot)t)AjicfA bu^ije ]to cot)t)Ai|tc
At)iu é/' Ajt t)iA|trt)U|b; A3ur Aiji nt» T^o cui|i i)]A|ttt)uib a
A]|trt) A3ur A éibeAÓ be A|t At) cuIa|3, acc ai) lé]t)e |xo bA
jte t)-A cr)eAf, a3u|* |to cujit At) c]tAi)t) bu]be 2t)bAt)At)A]i)
lt)A f-eAj-Att) At)-b]Aib A ú]tlAii)í)e, A3u|' A ]tii)t) A t)-Antbe.
2lt)r) |*|t) |to éiíti3 í)]A]ttt)U)b bo bAOicléirt) eubcitu^tt) eut)-

ATt)All 3U|X CÚHll|t)3 A1)UAf ATI At) t)5A, A3Uf ]tO CÚ|]tl]t)5

> Ro chonnarc. Dr. O'Donovan remarks that Irish grammarians have
not hitherto noticed a peculiar form of the 1st pers. sing, of the past
tense of the verbs feiftinjand cj5in), used by old writers, viz. bubAttc, aud
civt)A5. It should further be observed, however, that the same formation
of this person is found also in the past tense of ci6]nj, as in the text ; and
that these most ancient forms (which occur in the extracts published by

87

again, and the third man mounted upon it ; and he too was
elain like the others. Howbeit, there were slain fifty of
their people by Diarmuid's trick that day, and as many as
were not slain of them went to their ships that night.
Diarmuid went to his own people, and Muadhan put his
hair and his hook upon liis rod, and three salmon were
killed by him. He stuck the rod into the ground, and the
hair under his girdle, and takes the fish to Diarmuid and
Grainne, so that they ate their meal that night ; and Mu-
adhan dressed a bed under Diarmuid and under Grainne in
the further part of the cave, and he went himself to the
door of the cave to keep watch and ward for them until the
clear bright day arose on the morrow.

Diarmuid arose at early day and beaming dawn on the
morrow, and roused Grainne, and told her to watch for
Muadhan. He went himself to the top of the same hill,
and he had not been there long before the three chiefs came
towards him, and he enquired of them whether they would
practise any more feats. Tliey said that they had rather
find tidings of the son of O'Duibhne than that. " I have
seen' a man who saw him to-day," said Diarmuid ; and
thereupon Diarmuid put from him his weapons and his ar-
mour upon the hill, [every thing] but the shirt that was
next his skin, and he stuck the Crann buidhe of Mananan"
upright^ with its point uppermost. Then Diarmuid rose
with a light, bird-like bound, so that he descended from

Zeuss), are, excepting cívi)A5 which is obsolete, those universally em-
ployed in the spoken language of the present day throughout Munster,
instead of ftubftAr, cot)jjA]\cAy, and uubAinc nj&, cor)i}A]^c ti)é.

* i.e. The yellow shaft of Mananan, a spear which Mananan had given
to Diarmuid. Mananan was the son of Lear, one of the chiefs of the
Tuatha De Danann, and Lord of the Isle of Man.

3 Literally, standing after its staff. Similar to this is the expression,
60 cujc re A t)-i3|Aió A citji), he fell after his head, i.e. headlong.

AtjuAf be 30 TroifbineAC PÍTtsllc Jat) fru)liu3AÓ ]i)!x po||t-
6eA|t5A6 A]|t.

21 bubAi^tc Ó5UC bo rT)uir)ci|t t)a '^\A]y-y:é]X)r)e, " )x bujije

CU T)AC b-peACA]Ó AOn clcA]* AJt ^rOJOArt) A^lTAli), THAjl 50

b-ciobftAÓ CU cleA|- a|i at? 5-cleA]- n»? ;" •^^S^r T}}T V]^ 1}^
cui]t A Aijirn A3Uf A éjbeAÓ óe, a3u|- |to éiT^iS 30 b-lOD^-
rijA^l eubcjtom ó|* ciorjr) ai) 3<xoi, A3Uf ]io cúj|tl|i}3 Ai]t 30
b-<^T)C|iorr) Ar)bpAint;eAC 30 b-ci^]tlA xi']V^ ^V Z^O] cpfe r)-A

CftOlOe fUA|*, A5Uf bo CUA]Ó lift 30 CAlAtt). Ko CA]t|tA|t)3
<lL)lAltrT)U]b AT) 3A A3U|* |t0 CU]]t ]1)A f-eAfAtl) AT) bA]ÍA ^eACC

é, A3u|* |to &ifti3 Ai) bA|iA peA|t ACOfAij bo 6euT)Arb atj
cleAfA, 5U|t TDAftbAÓ & rt}A]t CÍVC. 2lcc ceAT)A bo rufc

CA03Ab bo TT)Ull)Cl|t t)A 3l^<^ir"P^l'í'^^ T^® cleAf í)blA|lT17UbA
AT) líV |-|15, 30 1)-bub|tAbA|l ■\}]y a 3A bo CA]t]tAlT)3, A5U|*

T)Ac Ti7Ai]teobA6 |*é t)]ó bu6 tbó b<v Tt9U]T)Ci|t |iif at) 3-cleAf
^]Tj, A3Uf |io cuA6bA|t b'<\ lor)3A|b.

2l3U|' ]io cuA]6 <D|Ajtn7iiib b'ior)t)|*Ai3i6 2t)biiAÓ^]T) A3111*
'^})\i'A]\me , A3U|* CU3 2t)uA6CM) ]A|*3 i)A b-oj^ce fit) cuca,
3Ufi cobAfl 'DiA|in)U]b a3u|" 3t^^1'^'^^ ^ b-pocAift a c^^le at)
o]6ce |*|i); ^311)* bo |ti3t)e 2l)uA6<xr) f^Ajjie a3uj' fO|tcóirÍ7eub
bofb 30 n)A]h]X).

Ho &1T1]3 <D]Ajtrr)uib A|i t)-A ibiVjiAC, A3Uf bo |iu3 6'\
3AbAil Af AT) b-fiobbA fix tjeA^A 60 |tir 3uf AT) cuIai3
|teuTb|ti^l6ce, A3ii]* cu]|i ]t)A feAfAnj lAb ; A3Uf At) 2t)óft-

aUcAC .]. cloiOOAtt) 2lot)5UfA AT) h\)]W^A, lb]|l At) 6\

5AbAil A|i A f AobAji. 2lt)i) f]T) ]to &11113 f^jt) 30 b-úiTteub-

CflOtt) of A CJOt)!), A3Uf |tO COtt)Alf fUA C|lO|3Clb Ót) bOftt)-

cIat)i) 50 A 6eif cft] b-"<^1Tte ai) clo]6eAtt), 31111 tú]]il]X)-^

At)UAf : A3Uf 110 fIAfftU]5 AI) J\A]h ACOfAt) fOA^l beut)CA At)
cleAfA fit). " Olc At) flAfllA13lÓ," All f eAjl ACOfAt), "ÓHl

t)í be^it]tt)AÓ A i)-6i|iit)i) ftiAti) Aoi) cleAf t)AC t)-bioi)3t)A6
fCAft ^1311) A5vii)i) Ó :" A3iif 110 éiiti3 f&p) ite d-a coif fiu
A3Uf cuAibóf ciot)t)At) (:loi6|fT),A3Uf A3 t:úiiilit)3 At)iiAfboito

89

above upon the javelin, and came down fairly and cun-
ningly off it, having neither wound nor cut upon him.

A young warrior of the people of the green Fenians' said,
" Thou art one that never hast seen a good feat since thou
wouldst call that a feat ;" and with that he put his wea-
pons and his armour from him, and he rose in like manner
lightly over the javelin, and descended upon it full heavily
and helplessly, so that the point of the javelin went up
through his heart and he fell right down to the earth.
Diarmuid drew the javelin and placed it standing the second
time ; and the second man of them arose to do the feat,
and he too was slain like the others. Howbeit, fifty of the
people of the green Fenians fell by Diarmuid's feat on that
day ; and they bade him draw his javelin, [saying] that he
should slay no more of their people with that feat, and
they went to their ships.

And Diarmuid went to Muadhan and Grainne, and Mu-
adhan brought them the fish of that night, so Diarmuid
and Grainne slept by each other that night, and Muadhan
kept watch and ward for them until morning.

Diarmuid rose on the morrow, and took with him to
the aforesaid hill two forked poles out of the next wood, and
placed them upright; and the Moralltach,^ that is, the
sword of Aonghus an Bhrogha, between the two forked
poles upon its edge. Then he himself rose exceeding
lightly over it, and thrice measured the sword by paces
from the hilt to its point, and he came down and asked if
there was a man of them to do that feat. " That is a bad
question," said a man of them, " for there never was done
in Erin any feat which some one of us would not do."
He then rose and went over the sword, and as he was de-
scending from above it happened to him that one of his

' So called from the colour of their armour or of their standards.
' i.e. The great and fierce one.

90

cívftU cof A|t 3AC CAob boT) c\o]6e^n) 60, 30 I)-!^6^Tl|lO<^b
6ív leic 50 TTjulUc A c]vv be. 2lpo f^n ^o é]]\]i at} bAjtA

feATl, A5Ur A5 CÚ]|tllt73 AIJUAf bO |tO CÍV|tlA CA]tft)A A|l AO

3-cloi6eArb 30 T)-beív|i]tT)A6 6ív ó|tbaT) be. 2lcc ceATjA t)]
n)ó cu|c At) 6C\ líx 0|le jioinje x]r) bo TT)uit)ci|t 3bl<^ir'^^T't)e
TnA|tA r)-Jocc Ti^ív yio cuic At) l<v f]r). 2lT)t7 |*it) a bub|tAbATi
jtTr A cloiÓeATT) bo có5b;\il, A3Uf i)ACA|t beA3 it^u A|t cujc
bív Tt7uir)ci|t jtif ; a3U]* fio friAp|tui5eAbA|i be a b-^reACAjO
fé AOt) frocAÍ bo |*3eulAlb n^ic Uí í)buibt)e. " Fo covv^J^c.

AT) Cé |tO C0T)t)A1|tC AtJTU é," A|t í)]A|ttT)Ulb, " A3U1* |tACpAb
Ko SIUAII* <D]A|tTT)U]b Tt)A|t A jtAjb ^T^^IW© ^3^V ^*»"

AÓívt), A3U]* |to TÍ)A|tb 21)ua6í^i) c|ií b-éir5 bóib At> Ojóce
ri'7 3"T^ CA]ceAbA]t A 3-cuib; A3U]* |to cuaiÓ í)iA|trT)uib A3Uf
3n^1T)t)e bo cobÍAÓ, A3uf bo T^]3T)e ^uAÓívr) iíAi|te A3uf
|ro|tcóiTT)eub bóib.

Ko 6]|tl5 <DiA|trT)u]b A n)0C-6'A]l t)A rtjA^brje, A3U|* ]\o 5Ab
A cuIai& caca A-^uy coxr)]X4K]C u]tt)e, t)í^|i b-t:éib]|t a 30]?)
|íúcA, rpíocA, Tt)ív civitj-A; A3u|' |to 3Ab Atj 2^ófiAllcAC, .].
clojÓeArb 2lot)5UfA Atj Bbt^03<v, pí^ t)-a clícAob, t)ac b-^*ív3-
f a6 pu]3eAll buille ]^íx bé]rT)e bot) ceub iAjt|iAcb. Fo 3Ab

TT7A|t AOt) A 6íX CjlAOlfeAC C|lAt)t)-]teATb|tA CACA .]. At) 3A

bui8e, A3uf At) 3A beA|t3, ó i)ív|t ceu^ttjA ijeAC |:i]t )r}S\
TDV'o^ bA|i loiceAÓ |tTu TtjATi). JAjt ri») T^o ^"inS 5T^^lwe,
A3Uf A bubAiftc |t]A ]:^]}\e A3U|« ^ojtcóirbeub bo ÓeurjAtt) bo
2t)buA6ívt), A3ur 30 itAcpAÓ péit) A3 peucAit) DA 3-ceicite

T)-ÍV|tb 1t)A CltDCloU. 2lt) CAT) |tO COt)t)AntC 3^í\lt)T)e í)lAít-

TDUjb Att 6e]\\]nj Ar^»y Ajt 6íx|-Acb it)A cuIaiÓ Ajtrt) t)iTbe A3uf
coibrtAic, ]to 5Ab iiAri)At) A311]' ]tDeA3lA í ; óift jto Aicr)]5

3U^ píV CUAl|tTtT) C|lObA A3Uf CeAT)3tT)ívlA ]X0 bív fé pívt) ó|ibu-

3Ab fif), A3ur |xo ■p|Ap|tui3 6e cjieub bo b'ívjl |t|r bo 6eu-

' Literally, which left no remnant of a stroke or blow, i.e. which was
sure to kill.
• i.e. The red shaft.

91

legs came at either side of the sword, bo that there were
made of him two halves to the crown of his head. Then
the second man rose, and as he descended from above he
chanced to fall crossways upon the sword, so that there were
two portions made of him. Howbeit there had not fallen
more of the people of the green Fenians of Muir n-Iocht
on the two days before that, than there fell upon that day.
Then they told him to take up his sword, [saying] that
already too many of their people had fallen by him ; and
they asked him whether he had gotten any word of the
tidings of the son of O'Duibhne. " I have seen him that
saw him to-day," said Diarmuid, "and I will go to seek
tidings to night."

Diarmuid went where were Grainne and Muadhan, and
Muadhan killed three fish for them that night; so they
ate their meal, and Diarmuid and Grainne went to sleep
in the hinder part of the cave, and Muadhan kept watch
and ward for them.

Diarmuid rose at early dawn of the morning, and girt
about him his suit of battle and of conflict ; under which,
through which, or over which, it was not possible to wound
him ; and he took the Moralltach, that is, the sword of
Aonghus an bhrogha, at his left side ; which [sword] left no
stroke nor blow unfinished' at the first trial. He took like-
wise his two thick-shafted javelins of battle, that is, the
Ga buidhe, and the Ga dearg,^ from which none recovered,
or man or woman, that had ever been wounded by them.
After that Diarmuid roused Grainne, and bade her keep
watch and ward for Muadhan ; [saying] that he himself
would go to view the four quarters around him. When
Grainne beheld Diarmuid with bravery and daring [clothed]
in his suit of anger and of battle, fear and great dread
seized her, for she knew that it was for a combat and an
encounter that he waa so equipped ; and she enquired of

92

T)<xri). " 2lti e^5lA mo bjoObAO bo ceAr)5ibt\il bArb," a|i fé.
Ko TT)ioi3 riu 3T^^lD0e, A5U|- at)t; riD no sluAir i)iATtn}uib

'Cat)5AbAft A b-cifl A 3-CeubÓlft, ■A5U|* |tO pIAp|tH]5eAbA|t

be f^eulA TÍ71C U] iDbuibrje. " Ho coi^tjAjtcfA ó ciAt)Aib é,"
A|t í)|A|tTT}U]b. " 2t)A]fPA6, b^ir) eoluf búiDtj n)A]t a b-pu^l

fé," AJl n<^^' " 30 TT)-be]|tTT)ib A CeAT)T) Ultjr) bo l<\CAT]t

■pblUt) W]C CbuTTjAill/' " t)o b'olc n^o co|t biv cójrbeub/'
Aft t)]A|trT)U]b, " biv T)-b] 01751) Aft}T) TT)A|t A be]ficí8|*e, d]]\
ACii A|t co|rDe]iic mo 50]le A5Uf njo S^fi'je co]ip a5u|*

Ar)Am í)blA|tmubA ; A5llf Aft At) AÓbAjt ffl) T)i Óét) peAll

Afjt." "21t) vfoft riP r" A]t rfAb. "jr frfoft 50 beimft)/'
Aft «DfAftmufb. " 2l)AffeA6, frufjpfft fréft) At) UcAfft y]V,"
Aft ffAb, " ASUf beuftf:Am bo ceAi)t) a b-f:f A6t)Aife "pbfnt)
of bfo6bA 60 cu." " Jy ceAD^Aflce bo bfAft)r)," Aft í)fAfi-
miifb, " AT) cftC\c bo léi5f:fr)t)f-6 n)o ceAi)t) ftfb," A5Uf ^t^Sx

fl&6 ffl) ftO CAftflAft)5 At) 2l)ó|tAllcAC Af A CftUAfU CAff5e,

A5uf CU5 f5ftfOf-bu|Ue pfocrt)<^ft be f^iv ceAi)i) At) cf yix
TjeAfA So, 50 t)-be^ftftt)A 6iv óftbívi) be. 2li)i) ffi) fto fot)t)-
fiijj fluA5 T)A olAff*-fréfi)t)e. A5iif- fio 5Ab bii t)-é|ftleAC
A5Uf b<v T)-ACCumA6 50 mfleAÓCA meAft-cAlmA, 5uft JAb

frÚCA, CftfOCA, A5Uf cC\ftf*A, ArbAfl bo ftACfTAÓ fCAbAC fííV

m|t)-eur)Afb, t)ó mAccffte cfté Tbóiftcfieuo mfoi)-cAOftAc ;
jufiAb Arr)lAf6 fft) bo seivftft í)iAftmuib cAftft)A liiffte'ACA
loft)i)eACA lívi)ív]lT)e i)A l,oclAi)t)AC, 30 i)AC i)-beACAf6 f:eAfi
ft)i)fce rS^l^ 1t>^ mAOfÓce mófft3T)forb Af ai) lixcAfft fji),
3At) bpói) bívff A3Uf cfme r^03Afl b'fmiftc Afft, acc da cftf
3lAff-f6fi)T)fóe A3uf beA3ivi) bi\ TTjufDCffi fto co|c cum a
lufi)3e.

Fo f0mpill3 í)|AfimiMÍ> CAfl a Aff 3At) f:UflfU3AÓ 3At)

f:offt6oAft3A6 Affi, A3uf fto sluAff* ftofibe 30 ftA)i)f3 2t)it-

' This mode of expression reads strangely enough in English, making
it appear that none escaped but those who were killed 1 This, however,
is the Gaelic idiom, and in Jrish expresses clearly, that not one man,

93

hiin what he would do. " [Thou eeestnie thus] for fear lest
m}'' foes should meet me." That soothed Grahme, and then
Diarmuid went in that array to meet the green Fenians.

They came to land forthwith, and enquired of him ti-
dings of the son of O'Duibhne. " I saw him long ago,"
said Diarmuid. " Then shew us where he is," said they,
" that we may take his head before Fionn Mac Cumhaill."
" I should be keeping him but ill," said Diarmuid, " an I
did as ye say ; for the body and the life of Diarmuid are
imder the protection of my prow^ess and of my valour, and
therefore I will do him no treachery." " Is that true ?"
said they. " It is true, indeed," said Diarmuid. "Then
shalt thou thyself quit this spot," said they, " and we will
take thy head before Fionn, since thou art a foe to him."
" I should doubtless be bound," said Diarmuid, "when I
would let my head [go] wdth you ;" and as he thus spoke,
he drew the Moralltach from its sheath, and dealt a furious
stroke of destruction at the head of him that was next to
him, so that he made two portions of it. Then he drew
near to the host of the green Fenians, and began to slaugh-
ter and to discomfort them heroically and with swift valour,
60 that he rushed under them, through them, and over
them, as a hawk would go through small birds, or a wolf
through a large flock of small sheep ; even thus it was that
Diarmuid hewed crossways the glittering very beautiful
mail of the men of Lochlann, so that there went not from
that spot a man to tell tidings or to boast of great deeds,
without having the grievousness of death and the final end
of life executed upon liim,^ but the three green chiefs and
a small number of their people that fled to their ship.

Diarmuid returned back having no cut nor wound, and
went his ways till he reached Muadhan and Grainne. They

being without (i.e. having escaped) destruction, departed to tell his
tale.

94

]\o iciAp|tu]3 3n^l'í')6 ^^ ■^T) b-peACA|6 fé aoo ^ocaI bo
rseuUib "pblW TT)ic CbixnjAiU A5uf T^bl^o 6i|teAt)p. 21
i5ubAT|tcfeAT) ijAC b-peACAi6, A5i»f ]to CA]ceAbA|i a nj-biAÓ
A5Uf A b-rorpAlcuf at) oióce X]r).

Ko éiTt]5 í)iAjtmuib 50 n^oc bo ló ■^^^u■\• bo li^tjcfOjUfe
AH i)-A Tbi^jtAc, A5uf x)'] coTbTjujOe bo tt|5i)e 50 ]t^T?15 '^^
cuIac \iean)\x'Ci]^t.e ; A5Uf Aji ftocbAio Apij, jio buA]l a
f51AC 50 lon)-loi|*5tjeAc, 5u|t ctt]]t at) cjtívj; aji ^oi)-c|iic
1t)A cin)cioll. 2lT)r) f)T) a bubA]|tc <Dub-co|*AC 50 jtACpAÓ
^éjT) bo cotbitAC |ie iDiAim^uib, A5uf cív]t)i5 a b-rí|x a
3-ceubó]|i. 2li|i fit) bo ^tistje fe^r) A5Uf <DiA]trt7uib A|t a
cé^le 50 co|t|tATT}A]l, peAjiATbAjl, peiorrjeAC, puil-beA|icAC,
^eAjif AbAC, f éicfteATÍ7A|t ; mA]t a biAÓ 6ív 6att) 6í^im> t)ó Six
CA|tb bu]le, T)ó 6ív leo5ATj cucAij, tjó 6ív feAbAC uft]tívt»cA

A|t bflUAC AjUe. 3l^T^<^b é fp) C]OI)|'5T)ATb A5Uf CUA]IAÍ*5A-

bívjl At) corbTtAic cejc ceiijt) 6oi6eAb|tAT)PA ^o bív eAcoii|tA.

'Ce^lSjb A]tAot; a T)-A]itn) a|* a lívrbAjb, A5u]* |tic]b a
3-coir)t)e A5uf a 3-corb6Ail a cejle, A5Uf ftjAOnjAib t)A
bó|blArbA cA|i. CAolb|iotDAt)tjAib a cé]le. 2lT)r) f ]i) cu5AbATt
c|teur)co|t|t C]T)í)eAfr)Ac bA céile, ^ujt CÓ5 <l)jA|trouib í)ub-
cof AC A|t A 5iiaIa|T)t), sujt buíV]l béiTT) bív cojip pí\ caUmÍ7 ;
A5ur]to ceAT}5Ail |*é 50 bA]i)5eAi) bof5AO]lce Afi ai) UcAjjt

flT) 6. )ík|t f]l) CÍV]r)l5 plOT)t)-CO|*AC A5uf "Cíieuu-cofAc

bo corbjtAC |iir •<'^ ^'^HIS ^ céile, A5uf cu5 ah ceAt)5Al
ceubijA 0|t|icAj A3ur A bubAiíir 30 rT)-bAiT)|reA6 a 3-C(t)0
bjob, n)ui)A ro-bjAÓ 50 ti7-b'f:eív|i|i ]x]y a b-^Asbiv]! fAt)
3-cuib|ieAc y]^) tT)A|i ri)eubu3A6 a]v a b-p)AT)CAib, " ó(ft ijí
cuaIait)5 buitpe bo bAjt f3AO]leA6,'' Aft yt; A3u|* |to pív3
^')0 rit' 50 cu]]tfeAc c|teut)A6cu]|n-eAC jAb.

21^1) r]v Tto irT)ci5 péio ^'nor ^bwAÓí^io A3ur 5bpívit>oe,
3u|i CA]ceAbA|t A n^-biAb A^uy a b-cort)Alcu|* ai) 0]6ce fit) ;

A3Uf |tO CUA^S í)lA|ttt)Ulb A3Uf 3r*^1íPD<^ ^^ COblAÓ, A3Uf

bo Tti3t_)(» 2t)uAb^t) F^in^ ^5«r fOficóitbeub bóib 30 it^Aibit).

i)5

gave him welcome, and Grainne asked him whether he had
gotten any word of the tidings of Fionn Mac Cumhaill
and of the Fenians of Eire. He said that he had not,
and they ate their food and their meat that night.

Diarnmid rose at early day and beaming dawn on the
morrow, and' halted not until he had reached the aforesaid
hill, and having gotten there he struck his sliield mightily
and soundingly, so that he caused the shore to tremble with
the noise [i.e. reverberate] around him. Then said Dubh-
chosach that he would himself go to fight with Diarmuid,
and straightways went ashore. Then he and Diarmuid
rushed upon one another like wrestlers, like men, making
mighty efforts, ferocious, straining their arms and their
swollen sinews, as it were two savage oxen, or two frenzied
bulls, or two raging lions, or two fearless hawks on the
edge of a cliff. And this is the form and fashion of the
hot sore inseparable strife that took place betwixt them.

They both throw their weapons out of their hands, and
run against and to encounter each other, and lock their
knotty hands across one another's graceful backs. Then
each gave the other a violent mighty twist ; but Diarmuid
hove Dubh-chosach upon his shoulder, and hurled his body
to the earth, and bound him firm and fast upon the spot.
Afterwards came Fionn-chosach and Treun-chosach to combat
with him, one after the other ; and he bound them with the
same binding, and said that he would take their heads from
them, were it not that he had rather leave them in those
bonds for an increase to their torments : "for none can
loosen you," quoth he ; and he left them there weary and
in heavy grief.

As for him, he went to look for Muadhan and for Grainne ;
and they ate their meal and their meat that night, and
Diarmuid and Grainne went to sleep, and Muadhan kept
watch and ward for them until morning.

0(3

A i)A]Tt)C)e A b-í:05Uf bó|b ; A5uf jto looif b] fseul 1)a
t}-AUrT)UfiAC ó cúii* 50 beijteAÓ, ttja|x bo cu|c cft] CA03Ab
bív ii)uii}C|fi cjt] U\ece a t)-b|Ai5 a céjle |te t)-A cleAfA^b,
A5ur n7A|i bo cuic cujs ceub beu3 bív fluA5 atj ceACjtAtbAÓ
líi ]te T)|nj A lív]rbe, a3U|* n)A|i bo ceAi}3Al tja cyi] 3lAir-
^é]t)i)|6e AT) cúi5rr)eA6 lív : " a3ui* acív c|ií cojijce tJirbe Aft

f-UbpAÓ ACO píV COtTJAJjt TD'uilcre," A|l fé, " A3U|* X)]

beAft3At)t; Ajirn oit|tCA." " 2lfi bAirjjf a 3-011)1;) bo i)A c|tí
^éiw]6]b n^i?" -^^^ St^^IO»}©- " Njofi bA]r)eA|-," Aft í)|-
Ajarnuib, *' ó]H if feiv|t|t l|on7 a b-piAi;A6 30 pAbA ]\)'a. 30
3eiv|t]i; oifx T)i fru^l fé A 3-curnuf b'Aot} Iaoc ]\)S\ 3Aif-
5l6eAC A T)-6i|tiT)i) AT) ceAr)3Al ACix ojt|tcA bo ]*5A0lleAÓ,
ACC A01) CeACflAtl ATb^lP, 'l' ^WV^ ^^^ f^]^^), ■^^^^Y ^Tó^]^
TDAC Olfit), A3Uf I-UJAIÓ l<XlíT)euCCAC, A3Uf Coi)<XU rpAC

2t)ói]iT)e : A3u|- Ací^ cijuc A3ArDfA ijac f3A0]lpi6 aoi? boi)
ceACfiAit 1*10 lAb. 2lcc ceAijA i|* 5e^|t|i 5ob-pui3|6 f]ovi)
]*5eulA o|t|tcA, A3UI* ceAl3i.*Ai6 fji) a c|ioi6e ji^AcliAb;
A3Uf If CO] ft búf 1)1)6 befc A3 fitjceAcc Af At) uAfn) yo Aft
eA5lA 30 n)-beuftf:A6 7^101)1) A3ur i)a cofi)ce yfiije oftftufi?!)."

JAft ffl) ]tO sluAff A1) bu|6eAT) ffl) Af A1) UAftT), A3Uf jtO
3AbAbA|l ffAlt ftOmpA 1)0 30 ]ti\1)3AbAft b03AC "pbf1)l)lélC0.

Ho bix oftivii:)r)e biv coft At) cAi) ffi), 3u|t ciifft '-ílJuA&ívt) Aft

A TÍ)Uf1) Í 30 1tíVr)3AbAfl fllAb AÓbAl-rnÓfl LuACftA. 2ll)t)

ffi) ]to fuj6 t)fAftrt)Ufb Aft bftuAC Ai) r-fftocA fto biv A5
ft)ioTt) cfté U\ft At) c-flé|be; A3uf |to biv 3f^^I'J»)e A3 fOT)f)-

Ia6 a UtT), A3Uf ftO f Aftft A f3IA1) Aft <t)l)I AfltDUfb ttO bAfI)

A \)-]OVZ^V &!•

' Literally, by the venom of his hand. The word nitnk, poison or
venom, and the adjective n»H /in ear// derived from it, are commonly used
to denote virulence, malice, violence, &c. Thus, when it is enid that
the stranfiors had with them three venomous hounds (tri cointe nimhe),
it signifies merely that they were peculiarly fierce and deadly, not that
their bite was actually poisonous like that of a serpent.

Diarmuid rose and told Grainne that their enemies were
near them ; and he told her the tale of the strangers from
beginning to end, how three fifties of their people had fallen
three days one after the other by his feats, and how fifteen
hundred of their host had fallen on the fourth day by the
fury of his hand/ and how he had bound the three green
chiefs on the fifth day ; " and they have three deadly hounds
by a chain to do me evil," quoth he, " and no weapon
wounds them." " Hast thou taken their heads from those
three chiefs ?" said Grainne. " I have not," said Diarmuid,
" for I had rather give them long torment than short ; for
it is not in the power of any warrior nor hero in Erin to
loose the binding with which they are bound, but only four ;
that is, Oisin the son of Fionn, and Oscar the son of Oisin,
and Lughaidh of the mighty hand, and Conan Mac Mor-
na; and I ween that none of those four will loose them.
Nevertheless Fionn will shortly get tidings of them, and that
will sting his heart in his bosom ; and we must depart out
of this cave lest Fionn and the deadly hounds overtake us."
After this the company came forth out of the cave, and
went their ways westward until they reached the moor of
Finnliath. Grainne began to weary then, and Muadhan
took her upon his back until they reached the great Sliabh
Luachra.^^ Then Diarmuid sat him down on the brink of
the stream which wound through the heart of the mountain ;
and Grainne was washing her hands, and she asked Diar-
muid for his skene^ to cut her nails.

2 Sliabh Luachra, now called in English Slieve Louglier, is the name
of the mountainous district around Castleisland, in the barony of Trugh-
enackmy, county of Kerry. This region is famous in Irish story, and
is remarkable in modern times as having produced three of the most
favourite Irish poets of the last century, Egan O'Rahilly, Red Owen
O'SuUivan (surnamed an bheil bhinn, of the sweet mouth), and Teigue
gaelach O'SuUivan.

3 Skene. The word ngian now means any kind of knife, but formerly

9S
)ort)cíxfA r)A T)-AlltbufiAC, At) rt)é|b fto biv beo aco, cím)-

3A&A|t Ajl A1) CuIa15 lt)A |tAbAbA|l l)A cjii félT)t)l6e ceAT)-

5A]lce. A^u]* ito f-AOjleAbAji |*5A0ileAÓ 6íob5olu<\c; acc
]y Air)lAi6 -[to bC\ ai) cuibjtPAc A5 v^rsAS omicA.

H]0]i C1AT) bóib Ait)lv\i6 ^]r) 30 b-i:eACAbA|t bAU-eACÍAC
pblW \V]C Cburi)Aill A luA|- piv^ijle 1)6 ]A|t|t<\ii)i)e, ijó ArbA^l
r]6e 5A0ice S^lite 5Ui)-luAice, A3 ]iocbAir> bo rbAo^leAT)!)
3ACA Tt^oftCTjuic 1)0 iDAOilcrléjbe bív i)-]odt}t-ai5i6 ; 3U11
f]Aí:|iui3 6íob CIA CU5 at) c-íxn wó^ f]ocrv^-\} y:o^Uc f]T)
oii]trA. "C^A cui*A biv f:iA^T^Ai3]&?" A|t x]«b. " Batj-
cacIac "pblDT? tbic CburbAlU rv]X^," A|t rí, "A3ur «Déiftbite
Ai) ^Duib-flé^be id'aidtd; a3ut- h* bo bA]t b-^iof bo cu||t
"Pior)!) ti7é." " 2t)AifeA6, i)i ^ujl a p]or A5u]i)r)e qA h-^,"

A^ ri^'^J " ^^^ ^^ beil|ipAI1)A0lb -piOf A CUA|lA|*3AbivlA

bujcfe .]. Ó3IAC A|i A ]tAib ]:olc CAf c]A|t6ub, A3u|* 6'\
5ftuA6 co]xc|iA cóirb6eA]i3A, A3iif ]]" é bo T^]5ye At) c-A]i
rt)óii ]*ii) bo cAbAijic 0|tftu|t)i)e. 2icc t)ío]- b0]l3e |tit)i) Tt)^
f]i) rt)A|v Aciv^b i^]t b-c|ti pé']i)t)i6e ceAt)3A|lce Ti)<v]t b-^-^AO-
i)A]|'e, A3U|* T^AC b-c|3 yi^vr) |*5AoileA8 Opb ; A3uf ^to biv
c|ti lAece A T)-biA|5 a céile A3 cottjitAC |t]i)i)." " Civ b-^ic
1i)A|t 5Ab At) peA]t X]V uAjb ?" A]t <t)t>i|vbite. " Ro r3A]i f&
|tii)i) 50 béi3eAt)AC A|téi|t," a|i n^^^^- " ^<^ bei|iiii)fe ti)o
bft]ACAft/' A|i C)é]|ib|te, " 3u|tAb é <t)iAjtrt)u]b O 'Du^bt)©
Veil) T^o biv Ai)t); A3u|* cAb|tAi6re bA|t 3-co]T)ce |t]b A3uf

l6|3]6 A|t A l0|t3 ]Ab, A3Ur CU]|ip(»Abf*A "pl01)T) A5Uf F]At)t)A

6ineAt)i) cu3Aib."

2lT)t) fit) CU3AbA|t A b-Cfl] C011)ce ItjU Af A lu]t)5, A3U|'

|io lé)3eAbAfi A|t lo]t3 í)l)iATtti)ubA jAb; acc |to i:a3bAbA|i

denoted the peculiar dirk wliicli was one of the weapons of the Irish.
Jt was frequently called sgian dubli, i.e. bhiek knife, either from the
usual colour of the haft, or fiom the fatal blow whicli it so often
dealt. It has been rendered skenc in the text, that being the word used
by the English writers in speaking of the Irish dagger, (vid. Temple's
Irish Rebellion, 1641, passim). Their large dirk was called by the Irish
meadoff.

99

iVs for the strangers, as many of tliem as were alive,
they came upon the hill where the three chiefs were bound
and thought to loose them right speedily, but those bonds
were so [that] they [only] drew the tighter upon them.

They had not been long thus before they saw the female
messenger' of Fionn Mac Cumhaill coming with the speed
of a swallow, or weasel, or like a blast of a sharp pure-
swift wind, over the top of every high hill and bare moun-
tain towards them ; and she enquired of them who it was
that had made that great, fearful, destroying slaughter of
them. " Who art thou that askest V said they." " I am
the iemale messenger of Fionn Mac Cumhaill," said she ;
*' and Deirdre an Duibh-ehleibhe^ is my name, and it is to
look for you that Fionn has sent me." " Well then we
know not who he was," said they, " but we will inform
thee of his appearance ; that is, [he was] a warrior having
curling dusky-black hair, and two red ruddy cheeks, and
he it is that hath made this great slaughter of us : and we
are yet more sorely grieved that om' three chiefs are bound,
and that we cannot loose them ; he was likewise' tlu'ee
days one after the other fighting with us." "Which way
went that man from you ?" said Deirdre. " He parted
from us late last night," said they, " [therefore we caimot
tell]." " I swear," said Deirdre, *' that it was Diarmuid
O'Duibhne himself that was there, and do ye bring your
hounds with you and loose them on his track, and I will
send Fionn and the Fenians of Erin to you."

Then they brought their hounds with them out of their
ship, and loosed them upon tJie track of Diarmuid ; but

' Eachlach means a horse-boy, lience messenger, or courier, and baH'
eachlach is a female messenger. The old form of the word is baiidach-
lach (Zeuss. Grammatica Celtica, p. 820.)

« i.e. Of the Black mountain.

10;)

At) &|u\oi A5 ^piceoUMÍ) <\|i i;a c|i| f:óii)t))6ib ]io bi\ ceAi)-
5Ailre. Ro leAijAbAji p&|i) t)a cop^ce A|t I0Í15 í)blAitn)ubA
30 |tívi)3AbA|t boituj* i)A b-uArbA; A5Uf 110 ciiA6bA|i 50
b-iA|tcA|t T)A b-iiArbA, Tjo b-puAttAbAtv IcaLao ^t)blA|in)ubA
A5ur 5b!i^l'7no AtjT). Ko 5AbAbA|i jtonjpA jajx ri') ri<^^ 3*^
]tC\i)5AbAii At) Cbi^n^cAc, A5ur Af rit> 5^ B03AC )^h]vv-
lejce, A5ur bo 3bAftb-AbA]t)t) i)a b-*piAr>i), ]\]y a itA^oceAii

toATbAT) At) CAT) fO, AJUf bO 2l)bi\13 í^luiDU Cboi)COr>, ASU)-

bo fl^Ab leACAT)-rbó|t Luv\citA.

21CC CeATJA, T)iO|l Al|113 <t)lAlttt7U]b ]1)A 6]A]-^ ]Ab A^l At)

có|iui5eAcr y]r) r)ó 50 b-peACA]6 r)A rt)e]|t3i6e tDAOcfiioil,
A3U|* T)A l)-OT)t)cot)A A]Sn)é-\le, A3U|* rjti c|teui)lAoic a jteutt)-

CÚlf T)A ]*luA13CeA6 30 b]At), bATJA, bA|*ACCAC ; A3Uf A b-Cjti

co]r)ze t)itr>e a|i c|ti flAbfiA^Oib ]t)A lívrbA]b aco. 2l)A]t bo
cot)i)A]|tc <t)iA|tTt)uib p^t) ]*ArbAil fp ^Ab cui3e, |to Ijot)
bA b-fniAc A3U]' bA T)-ú|t5|iívit). 2l3uf |io biv b|tAc uA]ci)e
c6ti)6ACAC A|i At) q bA a ]teuTT)cú]f t)A bui6r)e, A3u|* fto bA
1tt)ciAi) cA|t c!sc AtDAc ; At)t) fit) |to fji) 3l^^lUUe At) rSIAt)

CUIt) 'DblATltDUbA, 3U|X CU]|V <t)lA|trt)U]b lt)A CeACftAtT)Alt) Í,

A3U|* A bubAi|tc, " bA|i i)-bóic t)j 3ttA6 |to cu3ah* bo ti)AC-
Aorb At) bftuic uAict)e, a '^})]iii]nr)e." " N] b-sAÓ 30
beirbit)," A|t 3^^iwe, " a5u|* bo b'freA|i|t l|ort) t)ac b-cu-
3Air)i) 3|ii^6 itjAtb 3Uf Ar)iu b'Aoi)t)eAC." Ko cA|t|iA]i)3
'DiAfitDuib At) X'5\^^ ^3"r no cu]|t it)A i-'AirseAt) Í. A3ur |to
3liiAir TioiTt)e A b-A]cle fit) ; a3uj- aot? ri»? T^o cuifi 2t)uA6At)
3ri^1T)i)e A|t A TT)uii) 30 |iu3 leii* TDíle bot) c-fl]Ab '}.

\A\0}\ cjAi) 3uit f3AOileA6 cú bo da C|ti cotjAjb \)]n)e a
T)-biAi3 <t)blAitti)iibA, A5Uf A biibAi]ic ^t)uA8At) |tiv 0|ti\ii)i)e
bo leAi)ArbAit) A3U|' 30 3-co]|*3peA6 fó fé]i) ai) cú6e. 2lt)i)
1*11) |io ^ill 2t)uA6At) A3U|' |to bAH) coileAt) coi) Af a citiof

' Druid. Here the writer might more properly have said ban-draoi,
i.e. a female druid, which is equivalent to a witch, or sorceress.

101

they left tlie diniid' attending upon the three chiefs that
were bound. As for them, they followed the hounds upon
the track of Diarmuid until they reached the door of the
cave, and they Avent into the hinder part of the cave, and
found the bed of Diarmuid and Grainne there. Afterwards
they went their ways towards the west till they reached
the Carrthach, and thence to the moor of Finnliath, and to
Garbh-abha na bh-Fiann, which is called Leamhan now,
and to the fair plain of Concon, and to the vast and high
t^liabh Luachra.

Ilowbeit, Diarmuid perceived them not [coming] after
him in that pursuit until he beheld the banners of soft silk,
and the threatening standards, and three mighty warriors
in tlie fore front of the hosts, full fierce, and bold, and
dauntless, ha-slng their three deadly hounds by three chains
in their hands. When Diarmuid marked them [coming]
towards him in that guise, he became filled with hatred
and great abhorrence of them. And there was a green
well-dyed mantle upon him that was in the fore front of
the company, and he was out far beyond the others : then
Grainne reached the skene to Diarmuid, and Diarmuid
thrust it upon his thigh, and said ; "I trow thou bearest
the youth of the green mantle no love, Grainne." " Truly
I do not," quoth Grainne, " and I would I never to this
day had borne love to any." Diarmuid drew his skene and
thrust it into its sheath* and went his ways after that, and
then Muadhan put Grainne upon his back and bore her a
mile's length of the mountain.

It was not long before a hound of the three deadly hounds
was loosed after Diarmuid, and Muadhan told him to fol-
low Grainne, [saying] that he would ward off the hound
from him. Then Muadhan went back and took a hound's

* Having previously only placed it bare in liis girdle or some part of
his dress.

102

AtT)AC, A3Uf }\0 CUlft A|l A bAif é. 21cc ceAt)A. n)AJl t:>o

co})r)A]]tc At) cu cui5e A5u)' a C|iAOf Ajt IcacaÓ Ajce, |to
&]jil5 &o bAif 2t)buA6iiir) a5u)- yto Ijoj a s-cjiaoi* t)A cot),
50 |ti^]t)]5 At) C|t0]6e Asm* CU5 AttjAC aji a rAob é, a5ih* ]to

l)t)5 pS^t) Aja bAJI* 2t)l)UAb<\lt) Ajtif, 5tttt f;iV5Alb At) cu tDA|tb

Ro5luAif2t)uAbAT) A t)-&]Ai5Í)blAT^Tt)ubA A5uf ^b^^^ione,
A511Í' bo r.05 ot^^l')i)e Ajtif A5uf ^u5 leif tt^ile o^le bot)
c-fliAb ]. 2li)t) cit) ]to ^-sAoileAO At) CÚ o^le it)A t)-b]Ai5,
5mt lAbAiji i)iA|trt)uib |te 2t)uA6in), A3uf if ^ ^ bubAi]tc ;
" bo cluii)itt) pé]T) t)AC ti)-bi 56A|*A A|i A|irt) b|iuAb50ii)e,
1)^ A|i CTtAO|* beACA]5 A|t b^c, A5uf At) 4vjl jt]b fCAb 50
5-cui|ipit)t) At) 3A beA|X5 c|té coti)pAi)v a cl&ib A5uf a
c|io]be |*úb?" 2l5uf t**' fcAb 2t)uAbi^i) A5uf 3^^1W® *5

^eUCAIt) At) U|tCAl|t f jt). 2lt)t) fit) CU5 í)lAltrt)Ujb Tt05A At)

upcATjt bot) cojt), A5Uf ]io cu]|t At) 5A C]té t)-A b-lftjlji)')
511^ lé]5 A ))-AbAc A5uf A \)']or)^i^V^ ^ir^e» ^S^f T*'' ca|i-
7tAit)5 At) 5A, A3it|* jto leAi) A TbHTt)CT|t T^éit).

NjOTt c]At) bó]b it)A b]Ai5 |*]i) At) CAt) |*5A0ileAb AtjcjieAf
CÚ ofi|icA. Ko UbAiit 3TiA]i)t)e A3itf ir ^ •«^ bubAijtc ; " ]\'
) fub If peAfisAise aco, A5uf if tt)óít ac^ a b-e^slA o|irt)fA,
A5uf b^ A|t bo có]ti)eub una|te, a <t)blA|tn)uib." MiO|x

b-pAbA |t0 his. At) CÚ bit ItOCbAjt), A5Uf If Í iv^c A ]tU5 O^^tCA,

A5 L^c í)bubí^ii) A|i fljAb l,uAC|iA. Ko é]|ii5 bo bAO|r-
le^tT) eubc|tuitT) of c|oi)i) 'DblA|irt)ubA, A5uf bo b'A^l lé]
b|ie]c Afi 3bT^^|Ui)e, 50 |tu5 <t)iA|iti)uib Ajt a biv co^f bei|i)6,
A5Uf ]to buAil bé]rt) bA. C|xeAC ]:i\ cAob t)A CAi]t|t5e f^
cóiit)t)OAfA bo, 5u|t lé]5 A b-iuci»)i) cfié b-lWlfciM^ ^ <^1W

A5llf A cluAf Att)AC. lA|t f]t) po ^AÓ t)]Apn)lllb A A^ftn)

' This is tlie first and last appearance of this wonderful whelp, and is
a pleasant instance of a Deus ex machina.
2 Literally, weapons of druid-wounding.
5 That is to say, that weapons which M'oiind hy enchantment can have

103

whelp from beneath his girdle/ and set him upon his palm.
Howbeit when he [the whelp] saw the hound [rushing] to-
wards him, having his jaws and throat open, ho rose from
Muadhan's palm and sprang into the gullet of the hound,
so that he reached the heart and rent it out through his
side ; but he sprang back again upon Muadhan's palm,
leaving the hound dead after him.

Muadlian departed after Diarmuid and Grainne, and took
up Grainne again, and bore her another mile's length of
the mountain. Then was loosed the other hound after them,
and Diarmuid spoke to Muadhan, and what he said was :
" I indeed hear that there can no spells be laid upon wea-
pons that wound by magic, ^ nor upon the throat of any
beast whatever,* and will ye stand until I put the Ga
dearg through the body, the chest, and the heart of yonder
[hound] ?" and Muadhan and Grainne stood to see that
cast. Then Diarmuid aimed a cast at the hound, and put
the javelin through his navel, so that he let out his bowels
and his entrails, and having drawn the javelin he followed
his own people.

They had not been long after that before the third hound
was loosed upon them ; Grainne spoke, and what she said
was : " That is the fiercest of them, and I greatly fear him,
and keep thyself well against him, Diarmuid." It was
not long before the hound reached them, and the place
where he overtook them was Lie Dhubhain* on Sliabh Lu-
achra. He rose with an airy light bound over Diarmuid,
and would fain have seized Grainne, but Diarmuid caught
his two hind leg's, and struck a blow of his carcase against
the next rock, so that he let out his brains through the
openings of his head and of Ms ears. Thereupon Diarmuid

no counter-spell laid on them to render them harmless, and that no
beast can be rendered invulnerable in its throat.
* i.e. The flag-stone of Dubhan.

104

A^uy A é]&eA6, A5iif iio cui|i a rbeuyi biv)t|xcAol a fUAicrjib
fiobA AT) 5<vo] 6ei|i5, A-^uy CU5 |t05A ívc<\|*ac intcA]ji bo
TÍ^ACAori) At) b|tu]C uAicije |to hSx A |ieun)cúi|* tja fluAisreAÓ,
5U]t TT)A|ib bop u|tcA|t f p) é ; A5uf ru5 At) bA|tA b-upcAjt
boi) bA|iA |:eAfi, 3ujt tbAjib é ; A3uf At) citeAi* ^eATt n)A|i
At) 5-ceubt)A. 2lr)t) ]•]!), Tt)A|t ijac 5t)ikc co|*i)AtT) cA|t elf

C15eA|lt)A]6e t>0 CU|CIft), TT)A|t bo C0T)I)A1|IC 1)A b-<NUtt)UftA]5

A b-c|t]ACA A5uf A b-ci5eA|ti)A]6e A|t b-c.u]Citt), jto 5AbAbAj%
pelt) jtAOt) tt)AÓrt)A A5UÍ* tt)óiftceictt)e cuca, A5Uf \\o leAt)
<DiAitn)iiib oii|icA b;\ t)-biAi)i*5A0ileA6 A-^uy biv T)-é|itleAC,
tot)t)uf ti)ut)A i)-beACAiÓ buit)e of píoÓbAiÓib, t)ó fíxt) cAÍArb
^^3l<^r> t)ó f^t) uii'5e, t)Ac T)-beACAi6 cacIac ii)^ feAjt
Aicnn'ce fseul Af bjob, 5AI) c6itt)eAl bivif A5Uf buAit)-eu5<x
b itt)i|ic A]i 5AC peAji bjob acc «Dénibiie At) iDuib-f-léibe,
• I- bAt)-eAclAC f})]V^ "Jic CburbAill, |io cuaiÓ ^v b-pIAÓAlt)
A5Uf A b-poluArbA]!) Ai) feAÓ \io bív t)iA|trt)uib A5 cuji ^]]\

(Vfl T)A b-AlltÍ)U]tCAlb.

)ott)cúfA pbit)!), Afv b-pC\5Ail fseul t)A olAif-féit)t)e bo
beic cuibiiijce |te í)iAfttt)Hib, |to cunt SAiitrt) óf ivjib a|i

'pblAt)t)Alb 6llteAt)TJ, A5Uf |lO 5lllAll'eAbA|t |lOtt)pA A 1)-AC-

5Ai|a]b5ACA rlise A5ur A ]t&i66íii5e 5ACA cot)Ai|ie, 1)630
|iív))3AbA|i At) cuIac tt)Aft A itAbAbAji t)A zji] y^]i)\)]Se ceAt)-
3Ailce ; A5Uf |to bA C|iív6 c|toi6o le 'piorjt) ]']t) A|t t)-A
b-pAiCfit) bo.^ 2lt)r) fit) bo UbAUt 'f]o^v, A3uf n* é |io
]tívi6 : " A Oifít)," A|t fé, " f5Aoil bo t)A ciií 'p'éit)t)]6ib
ÓAtt)." " Mí fJAOllpeAb," Ap Oii*ji), " ói|t |to cui|i í)lA]t-
rt)U]b 5eAi*A oitrt) 5At) Aot) Iaoc bív 5-ceit)3eolAÓ yé]\) bo
f5A0]leA6 ÓAft)/' " 21 Oi*5Aiii t*3A0il bíob," a|i "piot)!).
" )y bitiACAjt bAtt)," A|t OfSAfi, " 3ii]t ciqlle ceAi)3Ail bu6

' In all personal descriptions tlie Irisli writers, ancient and modern,
lay great stress upon the shape of the hand, considering that it denotes
gentle blood or the reverse.

» Suaithniff, string. This must have been a string or loop attached

105

took lu8 arms and his armour, and put his slender- topped
[i.e. tapering] finger' into the silken string'^ of the Ga dearg,
and aimed a triumphant cast at the youth of the green
mantle that was in the fore front of the hosts, so that he
slew him with that cast ; he made also the second cast at the
second man, and slew him ; and the third man [he slew]
likewise. Then, since it is not UBual for defence [i.e. resis-
tance] to be made after the fall of lords,^ when the stran-
gers saw that theii* chiefs and tlieir lords were fallen, they
suffered defeat, and betook themselves to utter flight ; and
Diarmuid pursued them, violently scattering them and
slaughtering them, so that unless [perchance] any one fled
over [the tops of] the forests, or under the green earth, or
under the water, there escaped not of them a messenger nor
a man to tell tidings, but the gloom of death and of instant
destruction was executed upon every one of them except
Deirdre of Duibh-shliabh, that is, the female messenger
of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who went wheeling and hovering
[around] whilst Diarmuid was making slaughter of the
strangers.

As for Fionn, having heard the tidings of the green Fe-
nians being bound by Diarmuid, he loudly summoned the
Fenians of Erin ; and they went forth by the shortest ways
and by the straightest paths until they reached the lull
where the three chiefs were bound, and that was torment of
heart to Fionn when he saw them. Then Fionn spoke, and
what he said was : " Oisin, loose the three chiefs for me."
"I will not," said Oisin, " for Diarmuid boimd me not
to loose any warrior whom he should bind." ''0 Oscar,
loose them," said Fionn. " Nay," said Oscar, " I vow that

to the shaft of a javelin to assist in hurling it, like the «y*vA») of the
Greeks, and the amentum of the Eomans.

3 The Iriih are exceedingly fond of introducing proverbs and senten-
tious remarks, even in conversation.

n)|Ai; liori) bo cup OfiftCAj" A5Uf jto óiulc n)AC Lu|56e<\c
A3nf Cor)ivt) n)A|i ai) 3-ceubt)A ajj cuibfteAC bo f5AO]leA6
Sjob. 2lcc ceAT)A, iJÍOTt b-pAbA Óójb Ayi tjA b-ionjftívjócib
V|r> 50 b-|:iiA|tAbAit ijA c^ti ^i^iotj^oe hi\y ]i]y At) 5-c|tuAi6-
ceAt>5Al ]\o biv 0]t|tCA. 2lr)r) n»? 1*^ cocA^l "pior^D cfti >-eA|tCA
^ób^'A]fint)5e 6ó|b; A5uf tto cuijieAO a 1]A5 of a leACC,

AJUf |tO f3|tiobA6 A 1)-AT>m^^r>A A T)-05Atr> CttAob, A5ur

bo peA]tA6 A 5-clu]cce CAOitjce, jujt bA ruififeAC citorp-
cftoi&eAC Tio biv pioi^t) a b-^icle tja b-uAi|ie rin-

jr t rT? Aimrm <^3iir w^^it^ ^'^' cowA^jtc piotjt) cuis©

<t)éi|tb|te AT) í)uib-fléibe, A5ur a co^a Aft TioluAri)Ait),
A^uy A ceAt>5A Ajt ion)luA5Ail, Asuf A rú]le A3 f^leAO ]1)a
ceAi?!?; A3ur 6 cot)t)Ai|tc "pjODD ^ivi) coic^rt) f^i) cu^se ],
Tto ^]Ai:riui3 1-361;^ &]. " 2lciv|b ^-seuU n)6itA olcA A3An)
|te i)-A T)-ii)i)nt> >5uic, A3u|- If ^013 lion) 5U|i buiije 3A))
q3eA|tr)A rné ;" A3ui* jto ^\m]V fSeuU 60 6 cúif 30 bei|teA6
Aft 3AC Tt)A]ibA6 h'A. i)-beiv|t|ti)A í)iA]trT)H]b O í)ii|bi)e, a3u|*
Tf)A|t cHiceAbAji T)A cpí coii)ce t)irT)e |tir, " Asuf ir "^^
é]3eAi) bo CUA16 Tt)]|-e y^]r) Af," A|t fi- " Civ b-Áfc Afi
5Ab iDAC Ui i)buibi)e ?" a^x 'pioi)!). " H] pujl a piof r]\)

A3An)/' A|t ri ; A3ur Ai)t) ri^ n^ s^^Air y]ovn ^s^r ?iAt)t)A

6]tteAt)r), A3uf v] b-Aic|iirceA]t f-3eului5ev\cc ojiftcA 30
|tivt)3AbATt 2lltt)uii) tAi5eAi)t).
JotncúfA «DbjAjtiDiibA A3UI' Sbti^i»;»?© a3ui- 2t)buA6a]i).

H)T)|'ceA]t|'Ai) rseuU ojle. Ko sAbAbAji |tort)pA fO||i 30
SliAb iuACftA, A3UI' bo Ufb Cbor)Aill 5Ab|tA, A5ur Af Tff)
laiti) cli ]tif A1) SiorjAit) foifi 30 Bof biv foileAC mf a

' This ia a usual formula of the Irish writers in describing the burijil
of warriors. The Oijham craobh, or branching Ogham, was one of the
runic methods of writing practised by the ancient Irish, and so called
from the fancied resemblance of its lines to the boughs of a tree.

a It was a misfortune and a reproach amongst tlie Irish for a plebeian
to be without a lord or chief, since he would be tlius liable to any insult
or oppression without having one to whom to look to obtain redress for
him ; for a cliief w;is bound, in return for the support and maintenance

107

I woiúd fain put more bonds upon them." The sou of Lu-
ghaidh and Conan refused likewise to loose them. Howbeit
they had not been long at this discourse before the three
chiefs died of the hard bonds that were on them. Then
Fionn [caused to be] dug tliree wide-sodded graves for them ;
and their flag was put over their grave-stone, and their
names were written in Ogham craobh, and their burial cere-
mony was performed,' and weary and heavy in heart was
Fionn after that.

At that very time and hour Fionn saw [coming] towards
him Deii'dre of Duibh-shliabh, with her legs failing, and
her tongue raving, and her eyes dropping in her head ; and
when Fionn saw her [come] towards him in that plight he
asked tidings of her. " I have great and evil tidings to
tell thee, and methinks I am one without a lord ;"2 and she
told him the tale from first to last of all the slaughter that
Diarmuid O'Duibhne had made, and how the three deadly
hounds had fallen by him ; " and hardly I have escaped
myself," quoth she. " Whither went the son of O'Duibne?"
said Fionn. "That I know not," said she. And then
Fionn and the Fenians of Erin departed, and no tidings are
told of them until they reached Almhuin of Laighean.

Touching Diarmuid and Grainne, a further tale is told.
They weut their ways eastward to Sliabh Luachra, and
through Ui Chonaill Gablira,' and thence with their left
hand to the Siona eastward to Ros da shoileach, which is

given him by his people, to protect them all. This relation between the
chief and his tribe is expressed in the old Irish saying put into the mouth
of a clansman, " Spend me and defend me," (vide Spencer's View of the
State of Ireland). Deirdre means to reproach Fionn, by saying, that
since he was unable to defend his own they might as well be lordless. ^
3 This name may be anglicised Hy Connell Gaura. The district in-
cluded the present baronies of Upper and Lower Connello, in the county
of Limerick.

108

1iív|6ceA|i l,u|rT)TJOAC At) CAT) yo ; A5iif bo njAftb 'D(A|UTHilb
PIa6 aUca Ar) o]6ce y]i) bóib, ^uit cAiceA&Ajt a leojiboicii)
^•eolA A5Uf y]o]iu]y^e, ^-guy bo coblAbAji 50 njAib]!) a\i t)-A
rbiv|tAC. Ko ^]|ti5 2t)uA6iVT) 50 n)0C a5U|' bo lAbAjji le
í)iA]in7U]b, A5uf II* é |io TtívjÓ, 30 n)-b]A6 |-é ^reit) A5 ^nj-
ceACc. " ^^í có||t buicfe y]i) bo ÓeutjArb," A|i í)iA]trTju]b,
" 0)11 5AC T)l6 bA|i ^eAlÍAffA 6U|C có]Tblíoi)A8 Oii^c & 5AT)
irT)|xeA]*i\r)." Niojv 5Ab 2t)uA6ivT) C0T]xtT)eAf5 uajO; A3Uf
bo ciorT)A]tj ceAb A5u|* céileAbfiAÓ Óóib, A5U]* |to ^íV3 Atx

At) li^CAjfl 1*10 1Ab, A5U|* bA ÓubAC bob|tÓI)AC |to bív <t)|A|t-

irjuib A311]* 3Ti^li)')e A t)-b|Ai5 2t)buA6ikiT),

21 b-Aicle fir) ]to 3luA]reAbA|t if At) ivjftb bA cuajÓ 3ACA
i;-bí|teAC bo leAC-CAoib Sle^be })-Q>cf;^e, A3uf ai* i*it) bo^b
30 cjtiucA ceub O b-7^iAC|tAC ; A3uf A3 3Abiv]l ai) ciiiuca
ceub ]']r) bó]b, bo bj ^T^^I^JO© í5^ co]t : acc atj cat) bo
]-rt7UAit) t)AC ]tAib peA|t a b-10tr)CA]icA Aice ACC <t)lA|tt1)Ulb
Ó b']tDci3 2t)uA6At), bo 3Ab n7|i*r)eAC ]. a3U|* bo 5Ab A3

flllbAl |lO coif" *t)blA|ttT)UbA 30 bAfACCAC 311^1 lTt)3 bAO]C-

j-ceAtjcAt) fUAf le b-Ajf a co]|*e, 30 T)-bubAntc : "21 i)br
Afifi^uib/' Aji n, " CfO n)ó|i bo c|ió6acc a 3-cotblAi)t)Aib

A3Uf A 3-CACAlb, bA|l \]0n) pefT) If bAt)A At) bAO]C|*CeAt)CiVI)

l-p) it)A cu." " )y ]:\0]i y]v, a 5bTtAit;tie/' A|t "DiAittDuib;

' The verb caithim, which is here used singly to-express eating and
drinking, means to throw, and to use. In the latter meaning it may be
employed with any substantive, the sense varying accordingly ; so that
it may signify to wear, to spend, to eat, to drink, &c. The peasantry
frequently say "to use," meaning "to eat,'' e.g. " I could not use a bit."

2 A mountainous district in the county of Galway upon the borders
of Clare. The name is now pronounced in Irish Sliabh Eachtaidhe,
and is anglicised Slicve Aughty ; it is, however, on some maps incor-
rectly called Slicve Baughty.

» Triucha ceud. This was formerly called a cantrod in English, and was
ap extent of land equal to the modern barony or hundred. The name in
the text signifies the barony of the descendants of Fiachra. This Fiachra
was son of Eochaidh Muighmheadhoin, king of Ireland, A.l). 358. Duald
Mac Firbis, who wrote a minute account of the descent, territories, and

100

called Luimneacli now, and Diarmuid slew them tliat night
a wild deer ; then they ate and drank • their fill- of flesh and
pure water, and slept till morn on the morrow. Mu-
adhan rose early and spoke to Diarmuid, and what he
said was that he would now depart. " Thou shouldst not do
so," said Diarmuid, " for all that I promised thee it has
been fulfilled to thee without dispute." Muadhan did not
sufier him to hinder him, and took leave and farewell of
them, and left them on the spot, and gloomy and grieved
were Diarmuid and Grainne after Muadhan.

After that they journeyed on straight northward to-
wards Sliabh Echtghe,' and thence to the cantred of Ui
Fliiachrach,^ and as they passed through that cantred
Grainne wearied ; and when she considered that she had no
man to carry her but Diarmuid, seeing that Muadhan was
departed, she took heart and l^egan to walk by Diarmuid's
side boldly, *****
* # # # # #

customs of these tribes (printed by the Irish Arch. Soc.) says, Sjol
l^hfACTtAC, Tt))c Cacac 2r)ui5n)eAóóii), -h U) V]AcriAC 2T}ua]&o, (i G-cAtijAibtje

At)iu, i66f.), Ui 2in)Ai5Aió lonnuir, Fm CbeAnA, Uj i^iAcrtAc ^me, o'ji

t)5oinceAn AT)oir Cet^eAl 5uAine, CeijeAl y.oóA tjA fj-Cicse, Coill Ua
b-T^iAcnAC, TijAiUe le cmib e]le t)AC AinrtjoisreAti oo ]b T^tjiAc-ftAc Ai)iu.
" The race of Fiachra, son of Eocliaidh Muighmheadhoin. These are,
the Hy Fiachrach of the Moy (where we are this day, 1666), the Hy
Amhalgaidh of lorrus, the men of Ceara, the Hy Fiachrach Aidhnc,
now called Cineal Guaire, Cineal Aodha na h-Echtghe, Coill Ua
bh-Fiachrach, together with other territories not considered as of the
Hy Fiachrach at this day." The Hy Fiachrach of the Moy were in the
counties of Sligo and of Mayo, and part of their former territory is now
the barony of Tir Fhiachrach, (anglice Tireragh) in ihe county of Mayo,
which is the district to which Diarmuid and Grainne hare arrived.

uu

" 5)6 bj rí))f*e boii; có|ri)LHib pép; o)tc b'e<X5Uv "pi)!!)!).. '))
Vuil)t)5ce \]on) rT)']tt)6eAH5A8 ij'iofA ii)ó óiijc, A5111* ]]' beA-
CAi]i TAob bo cAbA]pc \i]Y T)A n)T)ivib." 2lT)t) ]*|T) bo 11151)6
^l3|<xiii-t)uib O <t)uibt)e beAt) b'it)5]ij |ti5 fe^ieAW Aji &-cú|f,
A5u|* bo |iu5 leii* Í ^íio b-píoóbA. 2t)A|t itívT)5AbA|i pívi)
b-|:ío6bA bo it]5T)e í)iA]tn7uib ií|AT)boc a 5-ceA|ic-lívit x)a
VJoÓbA ; A5U1- ]\o ri7A]tb p]A6 aUca An oióce X]V< 5^11 caic
V&IO A5iir 3ní^I'?'?e ^ leo|t6óiciD treoU A5ur píoftuirse.
Ro éltHS í)]A|in7uib 50 Tt)oc, A5UI' bo cuaiÓ curt) ai) c-SeAit-
hix-\r) LoclAt)r)Ai5 ; A5U1* t)0 ]t}p)e i-OAbnjAuyA C{t]]i ^5111*
ceAt;5Ajl ]i]]', 50 b-puAT|t ceAb ]*eil5e A5uf |:]a6ai5 "^I^-
Acc 5AI) bA]i) |te i)-A CAO|tA|b 50 b]tívc.

jon)cú|*A 7-l)]t)r) A5u|* t)a pé|t)t)e, A^t itocbA]t) a ))-21lrnuii)
bóib v]o\i CIAI) bóib Ai) cAu bo coijCAbAji CA05Ab Iaoc bA
tj-10iji;]*Ai5i6, A5u|* bjAf njofi rbíleAÓCA tr>eA|t-cAlrt7A bo
cini? A]t rbéib A5u|* A|t njAife A]t cívc a i}-úfico|*AC tja
bitot)5-bu]6i)e úb; A5U|* jto friAp|tu]5 ')']or)\) bo cac ai)
b-cu5AbA|t A^cue opyvcA. " Ní cu5An7AO|b/' A|t c^c, '' a5U]-
At) b-puil A ^io|- A5Ab pé]t), A'pblTO?" " Ní V'M^/' <^^
^pioi)!), " Acc 5Uít bói5 T^10"> 5"!^ r)A]rt)be ÓAti) p&it) lAb."
'Cívr)5AbA|t AT) bu]6eAi) cu|ia8 j*]!? bo lívcAiti pbl')!) K<^U
5-córb|iíx6 fit), A5Uf bo beAt;i)ui5 |*|Ab bo. 'pbfieA5iiA]'
"piot)!) bó|b, A5uf ^occAf |*5eulA Ópb, dx t]\i t)ó c<\ caIatt)
6óib. 21 bubjtAbAiii'At) 5ii|t t)A]rt)be 6o|*At; jAb í:6|i), a5U|*
50 itAbAbAjt A i)-AiciaeACA A5 Tt)A|ibA6 Cbini)Aill ii)ic
'Cy)^eiix)VDÓ]]x U] BbA0i|*5t)e a 5-cAc CbuwcA, '' A5uf bo
cuiqobA|t \:'e]t) fAt) i)5i?íori) ri'), A5Uf if ^5 iA]t|tAi6 i'íoc-
cívi)A oitc^-A cí\t)5Att)A]t bot) co|t ^'O." " C]o\)i)iiy b;\bA-nt
^é]i) Ai) uAi|t bo rDv\|ibA6 bA^t i)-AicfieACA ?" Aii }-iot)i).
" 21 tD-b|voit)t) ívjv tt)ívic|teAC," A|t |*|Ab, " a5u|* ]y b]Ay bAi)
bo 'Cbii'^cAib <t)é l3At?Ar)i) bo b] t)A n)ívTC|teACAib A5Aii)r),

' Fian-bhoí/i, a hunting-booth. Flan in composition means, relating
to tlie Fenians, hence, adapted for or belonging to hunting, which was
their chief employment and pastime ; thus fan-chosgair (Fenian-slaugh-

Ill

When they were come into the forest Diarniuid made a
hunting booth' in the very midst of the forest, and slew a
wild deer that night; so that he and Grainne ate and
drank their till of flesh and pure water. Diarmuid rose
early and went to the Searbhan Loclilannach,^ and made
bonds of covenant and compact with him, and got from
him license to hunt and to chase, so that he never would
meddle with his berries.

As for Fionn and the Fenians, having reached Almhuin,
they were not long before they saw fifty warriors [coming]
toward them, and two that were tall, heroic, actively va-
liant, [and] that exceeded the others for bulk and beauty
in the very front of that company and troop ; and Fionn
enquired of the others [i.e. the Fenians] whether they knew
them. " We know them not," said the others, •' and canst
thou tell thyself [who they are], Fionn?" " I cannot,"
said Fionn; " how belt I think they are enemies to me."
That company of warriors came before Fionn during that
discourse, and they greeted him. Fionn answers them and
asks tidings of them, from what land or region they were.
They told him that they indeed were enemies to him, and
that their fathers had been at the slaying of Cumhall the
son of Treunmhor O'Baoisgne at the battle of Cnucha,
" and they [i.e. our fathers] themselves fell for that act ;^
and it is to ask peace of thee we are now come." " How
were ye yourselves when your fathers were slain ?" said
Fionn. " In our mother's womb," said they, " and our mo-
thers were two women of the Tuatha De Dauann, and we

ter) means a great liunting maU'li. A hunting shed or booth was also
called dumha, and diimha sealya.

2 i.e. The bitter or surly oneof Lochlin [Denmark]. The history of
this personage who is so abruptly introduced is given afterwards.

3 That is to say, that Fionn had killed their fathers in eric, or com-
pensation, afterwards. Fionn was not born at the time the battle was
fought.

112

<v b-'piAr)T)iii5eACc." "í)o béji f]tj bíb," A|t )^iooo, " acc
50 b-cu5Ai6 |-)b éijtic bATT) Art) acai|i." " Mí yu]l óft, iijív
AT|t5iob, ]t)ív loi^urbuf, ^ijív lolrnAOiije, buAfi. jtjív h6tix}\)ze
^■^A]r)T) bo beu|i]íAn>AO]f bu|c, a pblt>t)." ^]^ ri<^^- "Hí^

b-1A|t|l é]|t]C OftltCA, A 'pbl')')/' <^|^ Oini), " ACC A 1)-A]t-

]teACA bo tu]z]n) leAC a T)-é]|i]c c'ACA|tí*A." " jf bó|3
liorn," Ati 'piow, " bív njAiiteobAÓ bu]r)e rt}& f:é|D 5uti
b'^uimri-A n}'é]|iic t)0 jtéiÓceAC uA]c|*e, a Oifít); a^ui* t)|
ciocpA^O Aot) bu]i)e A b-'piAT)t)ui5eAcc Acc At) z'] bo beufx-
^A|* éi|i]C bATbr^ ^"J ACAiit." " Cfteub Ar) &l|tic bív b-l^H-
ItAiÓ A5Ab?" Ajt 2lor>5u|* rtjAc 2liitc Ó15 ri)ic 2l)bóiu;A.
" H] ^ujl Acc ceAT)T; cu|tAi6 1)5 lai) buiftijt) bo CAOitA^b
cAO]tCAit)r) «Dubito]]*." " C)o béiti*A corbA^itle Tt)Aic ójb, a
clAT)t)A 2t)bóitti?e," A|i OiríD, " .]. bulrt)A|t A|tb o|leA6 ^b,
A5ur 5AT) T"íc b'iA|i|tAi6 ATI "pbiow ^t) K-iVlii A n)Ai|ií:i6 x]^;
A5Uf Dí 5Att bíb AOt> T)i& bív i^-iAtittAi? FloijD o|i|iuib bo
cAbAiitc cu]3e, A5U}- ai) b-pu]! a ^ior Ajuib c^a ai) ceAi)t)
lAttTtAf ^pioijt) o|i|iuibi-e bo cAbAjpc cui5e TTjAjt éi|tic?"
" U] peAbA]trt)A|i/' A]t y]Ab. " CeAt)U í)blAjtn)ubA Uj
í)buibt)e At) ceAt)i) úb iA|tttAr )^|Ot)t) o|t|tuibre, a3U|- bív
tt)-biA6 ]*ib|-e líot) T^jcce ceub peAjt it)peAÓtt)A, t)í lé]3f:oA&
í)lA]trt)aib O t)iiibi)e ai) ceAt)i) lAjtjtAr "piot)!) o|t|tuibre lib

.]. A CeAt)t) V^]V'" "CfteUb ^Ab r)A CAOftA Úb lA|lfXAf

"Piot)!) ofi|vu]i)T) ?" Alt fiAb. " Ní beAC|tA 6']h \)]6 o]\e
b'pívsAil it)ív x]v," AiiOii-it), " Tt)Aii iweofAb Ai)i) yo 6]h."
"jOTDAitbíió b'éiiii5i6 ibiitoiAif bAi)bo'CbitACAib4)6'DA-
i)At)t), -i. 2loipe ir)5ioi) 2[)\)M)^v'^]V, Asuf 2lit)e lOSl^D oile
2t)bAi)At)íiit)rbicl,iit, A5UC cu^^loipe 5tiC\6 bo tt)AC tui^óeAC

I Their fathers had belonged to tlie Fenians of Connacht, i.e. tlie
Clanna Moirne, who fought against the Clanna Baoisgne at the Battle
of Cnucha, now called Castleknock, in the county of Dublin.

* Eric. The compensation duo from one man to another for any injury
done, tlie amount of which was regulated by the native or Brelion law.

113

ihiiik it tiiUL' to get uiir fathers" place and station among
the Fenians."' " I will grant you that," said Fionn, '' but
ye must give me eric^ for my father." " We have no gold,
nor silver, nor riches, nor various wealth, kine nor cattle-
herds, which we might give thee, Fionn." " Ask of
them no eric, Fionn," said Oisin, beyond the fall of their
fathers in eric of thy father," " Methinks," said Fionn,
" were one to kill me that it would be an easy matter to
satisfy thee in my eric, Oisin ; and none shall come
among the Fenians but he that shall give me eric for my
father." "What eric askest thou ?" said Aonghus the son
of Art og Mac Morna. " I ask but the head of a warrior,
or the full of a fist of the berries of the quicken tree of
Dubhros."^ " I will give you good council, children of
Moirne," said Oisin, that is, to return where ye were reared,
and not to ask peace of Fionn as long as ye shall live ; and
it is no light matter for you to bring to Fionn ought that
he is asking of you, for know ye what head that is which
Fionn asks you to bring liim in eric ?" " We know not,"
said they. " The head of Diarmuid O'Duibhneis that head
that Fionn asks of you, and were ye as many in number as
twenty hundred men of full strength, Diarmuid O'Duibhne
would not let that head [go] with you which Fionn asks of
you, that is, his own head." " What berries are they that
Fionn asks of us ?" said they. " Nothing is more difficult
for you to get than that," said Oisin, "as I will tell you
now. There arose a dispute between two women of the
Tuatha De Danann, that is, Aoife the daughter of Mananan,
and Aine the other daughter of Mananan the son of Lear,
viz. Aoife had become enamoured of the son of Lughaidh,

' Ros means eitlier a wood or a promontory, and enters largely into
the composition of topographical names in Ireland. There is a place
called Dubhros (Dooros) near Kinvara, barony of Kiltartan, county of
Ga'.way, but the locality in question was situated upon the river Moy,
as appears at page 1 18.

8

114

.]. n)AC beiitbf-eAcitAc t>"f})]o^\-) mAC CbumAiU. A5uf cut;
2l]T)e 5|t3^6 bo ttjac \.]]i Sbice "pbiouTjCAib, 50 r)-&ubA]fic
3AC beAt) biob 30 TD-b'íreí^fiTi A peAit ye]^) b'ioir)íví)»ióe
li)ív At> reAji oile; A5Uf z'A]r)]'5 ■^V ^^^ lonjitivb ^i) coitjóji-
cu|- ion}ivr>A bo eA]i|iAH)5 }b]]t "CIjuACAib 'Dé <t)Ai)Ai)t) a5u|-
PblAtJOAib 6niioot), A5U|* 11* e loijAb itjAii cu5a6 At) 1011)^11)
T|D, Aji TÍ7ACAi]te í^luiiji) U^rb |te toe iéitj lit)t)p]AclAC."

" «Do fr|ieA5|tAbAii }^iAT>r)A Q>]\\'\or)v ^Z^Y "Cuaca í)é Í)a-
T5At>r) AT) coii)T)e |*ir), Asuf ]y jAb bAoii^e bo b'uAifle a5u|-
bo h'u]X]\i\r)Z6>n)\A, bo "Cbwo^cAib <D& Datjai)!) civii)i5 ai)1) .].
cjt] 5<^nit» Sblé]be 2l)i|-, A5U|* cui i^)C\]r Sbléjbe l.uAC]tA,
Ajuf r)A c|ti 2t)u|tCA&A biqbe, A5u|* t)A cji] b-^ocAOA 2l]i)e,

AJllJ* T)A C|ti LA05AT1t]6e lAOCbA, A5Uf T)A c]ti Cor)Aill
CboUAli)A]17, A5Uf 1)A Z.-\X] "PtI)!) "PblOtjrjltu'llIt, A5Uf r)A cfii
So<^^l BbT^OJ^!^' ■<^5"r t)A C|VÍ Koi)X\11) 2lcA T)A ItiOJ, AJll]* T)A

c|ii b-6>'>5<'^l') Ó 6a|* 11UA1Ó rbjc BbAéAipt;, ATjiif Ai) Cac-

' <SiM Fhionnchaidh, i.e. the mound of Fionnchadli.

2 Many of these names appear to be mere fictions of the writer, but
some of them are celebrated in Irish mythology, and are still well re-
membered by tradition.

3 i.e. The mountain of Mis. (anglice, Slieve IMish,) a mountain in the
barony of Trughenackmy, couuty of Kerry. In the year 3o00 (ac-
cording to the Irish Annals) the fleet of the sons of Mileadh came to
Ireland to take it from the Tuatha De Danann ; and on the third day
after landing the battle of Sliabh Mis was fought between them. Here
fell Scota the wife of Mileadh, and her grave is still pointed out in
Gleann Scoithin in the same barony, (vide Four Masters, A.M. 3500 and
n.) There is also a Sliabh Mis in the county of Antrim, which is called
in English Slemmish.

* Aine. In full, Cnoc Aine, i.e. the Hill of Aine, in the county of
Limerick (anglice, Knockany). This hill, so famous in Irish legend,
together with the adjacent district, was also called Aine Cliach. From
the most remote times it has been believed that this Hill was the resi-
dence of Aine, daughter of Eogabhal, of the Tuatha De Danann, who
was looked upon as queen of the fairies of south Munster, as Aoibheall,
(or more correctly Aoibhinn) of Craglea, near Killaloe, of the fairies of
Thomond, or north Munster, and Una of those of Ormond. Knockany
was also anciently called Carran Fearaidhc.

llo

that is, dister's sou to Fionn Mac Cuinhaill. and Aine liad
become enamoured of Lear of Sith Fhionnchaidb/ so that
each woman of them said that her own man was a better
hurler than the other; and the fruit of that dispute was
that a great goaling match was set in order between the
Tuatha De Danann and the Fenians of Erin, and the place
where that goal was played was upon a fair plain by Loch
Lein of the rough pools."

"The Fenians of Erin and the Tuatha De Danann answer-
ed that tryste, and these are the noblest and proudest of the
Tuatha De Danann that came there,* namely, the three
Garbhs of Sliabh Mis,' and the three Mases of Sliabh
Luachra, and the three yellow-haired Murchadhs, and the
three Eochaidhs of Aine,* and the three heroic Laoghaires,
and the three Conals of Collamhan, and the three Fionns
of Fionnmhur,^ and the three Sgals of Brugh,^ and the
three Konans of Ath na riogh,'^ and the three Eoghans from
Eas ruaidh mhic Bhadhairn,^ and an Cath-bhuilleach," and

» Fionnmhur, i.e. the white house.

^ An Brugh. This was the Brugh of the Boyne, already noticed. It
was called also Brugk mhic an Oig, from Aonghus Og, who is meationed
in this tale.

' Ath na riogh, i.e. the ford of kings, called in English Athenry, a
well-known town in the county of Galway.

* Eas ruaidh mhic Badhairn, The cataract of the red one, son of
Badharn. The full name of this waterfall is Eas Aodha ruaidh mhic
Bhadhairn, the cataract of red Aodh, son of Badharn ; but it is often
styled by the Irish writers simply Eas ruaidh, whence the English form
Assaroe, now more commonly called the Salmon-Leap, on the Erne, at
Ballyshunnon. The Four Masters have the following notice at A.M.
4518. "Audh ruadh, son of Badharn, after he had been (the third
time that he assumed the government) eleven years in the sovereignty
of Ireland, was drowned in Eas ruaidh, and buried in the mound over
the margin of the cataract; so that from him Sith Aedha [the mound of
Aedh] and Eas Aedha are called."

9 Cuth-bhuilleach, i.e. the Battle-striker.

Bbp^AJ. ^'^S^r AIjSuilt^eAC ]-UAlftC Ó LjOTjiVT), A5U|* At) 21)1)0]-

6|ii 6 Bb^l')') l(^ic, A5u|-i)oi)t) Ó Sbjc BbTieA5, Ajuf poAii At)
beiqilA bft)!) or) n)-Bó|i)i), a5ui* CoUa c|tiot)co|-AC d'Bhei\]i]i-
T)ixT) 6ile, A5Uf 'Dot;!) burbAC, a5U|* i)oi)t) At) 0]leivit),

A^Uf i)0t)t) CbO«1C t)A V-Oy, A5U|- i)01)t) ié]t)CT)UlC, A5Uf

Bfxuice AbAC, A5uf t)olb beubfolu||*, asui* CÚ15 ri)ic
}^blT)') Ó Sbic CbAT|xt) CbAOit). A5u|- jlb|ieAc n)AC 2t)bA-
t)At)i\it), A5uf NeAn)At)AC TDAC 2loi)5U|'A, A5ii|* Boob beA|t5

n)AC At) ^DeAJÓA, A5Uf 2l)AT)Ar)^T) Tt)AC L]|t, A5U|* 2lb0|tCAC

' Magh Bhreagh, the same as Breaghmhagh, the plain of Bregia,
already noticed.

2 An Suirgheach suairc, i.e. the pleasant, or cheerful wooer. The
Lionan here mentioned may be Lionan cinn mhara, called in English
Leenanc, now a town at the head of the Kiilary harbour, in Joyce's
country.

3 Beann liath means the grey peak, but the Editor has not been able
to identify tlie spot.

* Donn. There were several of this name in Irish mythology. Sith
Bhreagh, the mound of Breagh, was most probablyin the plain of Bregia.

* i.e. The man of the sweet speech or language, from the Boyne.
Beurla means a language, but has for the last three centuries been used
to denote tlie English language in particular.

6 i.e. CoUa, the withered-legged. Eile is a district including part of
the Queen's County and of Tipperary. Bearnan Eile (Barnanely), part
of this tract, is now a parish in the barony of Ikerrin. This Colla pro-
bably lived on the mountain called Greim an Diabhail, i.e. The Devil's
bit.

^ Donn dumhach. Donn of the sandbanks. This Donn resided at the
sandbanks at the mouth of the river Eidhneach, to the west of Ennis-
tymon in the county of Clare. Here are to be seen the remains of Cais-
lean na dumhcha, (now called in Irish, Caislean na duimhche, and in
English, Dough castle) the ancient dwelling of the O'Connors, Lords of
Corcomroe. Donn was held to be a very potent fairy chief, and in the last
century, Andrew Mac Curtin, a poet of the county of Clare, finding
himself neglected by those who had formerly been kind to him, wrote an
address to Donn, asking his aid.

* Donn nnoileain, i.e. Donn of the Island.

117

the three Fearghiises. and an Glas of Magh Bhreagh,' and
an Suirgheach suairc from Lionan,^ and an Mheidhir from
Beann liath,^ and Donn from Sith Breagh,* and Fear an
bheurla bhinn from the Boinn,^ and Colla crioncliosach
from Bearnan Eile.^ and Donn dumhach,^ and Donn an
oileain,^ and Donn of Cnoc na n-os,^ and Donn of Lein-
chnoc,'° and Bruithe abhac," and Dolbh the bright-toothed,
and the five sons of Fionn from Sith Chairn Chaoin/''* and
an t-Ilbhreac,'3 son of Mananan, and Neamhanach the son
of Aonghus,'* and Bodlibh dearg the son of an Deaghdha,
and Mananan, the son of Lear, and Abhortach,'^ the son

9 Donn clinuic na n-us. Donn of the Hill of fuwns, (Knocknanoss, in
the county of Cork). This hill is remarkable as being the place where
Alasdrom Mac Domhnaill (Sir Alexander Mac Donnell), of the Antrim
MacDonnells, was slain in battle by the Baron of Inchiquin, in 1647.
He, with some Irish auxiliary troops, had served in Scotland under
Montrose, by whom he was knighted. He was known to the Irisli and
Highlanders as Colla Ciotach, folia the left-handed, and to the English
as Colkitto. The battle of Knocknanoss has been remembered by means
of a pipe-tune to which Mac Donnell's men are said to have marched
tliat day. It is well known in the south as Mairseail Alasdroim, Alex-
dander or AUister's march.

10 There is another Donn not mentioned here, though perhaps the
most famous of all, i.e. Donn Firinne. He lived at Cnoc Firinne ( Knock-
fierna), the hill of truth, in the west of the county of Limerick.

11 i.e. Bruithe the dwarf.

12 i.e. The mound of the cairn of Caon.

13 i.e. The variously-spotted one. Bodhbh dearg was created king by
the Tuatha De Danann, to the exclusion of Lear and other claimants,
from which resulted " the death of the children of Lear." An Daghda
(the old form) i.e. the good fire, was a surname given to Eochaidh 011a-
thair, who reigned for eighty years, having been made king, as the
Annals say, A.M. 3371.

14 i.e. Aonghus an Bhrogha.

15 The bards and shanachies fancifully attributed to each of the Tuatha
De Danann chiefs some particular art or department over which they
held him to preside. Abhortach they considered to be the god or genius
of music.

IIS
mAC AT) Jol-bAC(\]5, A5ur rrjófti^t) o|le t)ac T)-;\iprni3ceAft

"<Do b&n70]itDe pjAWA 6||iiot)o A5uf ]*& A^t |:eA6 cjii
liv Ajuf cfti OjOceAO A3 ]n)i|tc AT) bi^T^e ó 3bATtb-AbA|t)r) t)A
b-'p]Ai)r), |i]r A |iíi|6ceA|i LeArbAr), 50 CtiorD-^leAtjt) t;a
b-'piAW, |tir A ]iívi6ceAii sleATjr) pieifse ; A5ur DÍ ^"5^-

TtJAjl AU biVIlie Afl A Cé]le, A5UI* jlO bv\&A|l 'CuACA ^Dé

t)Ar)Ar)t) |iif Ai) |iAe y]r) A|i jac CAob bo loc L&p) 5AT) piof*
buint), 5ufi cui5eAbA|t biv it)-b)AÓn)AoifT)e at) pblAtjt) aj
cufi le ce^le t)ac ní-biiAÓpAbAO]|* fjji Biji^onr) at) ba]fte

Oia|tU]15t). 2I5UI' ^r Í COTT}Alnle Ajt Afl C]T)T)eAbA|l "CuACA

í)é Í)at7AT)i; ]rr)ceACC cA|t a t^-ah*, A5uf 5AT) at? bik.]]te \-]V
t>']rn]\iz l]vr). Jr é lÓT) cu5AbA|t "Cuaca í)é "t)AOAt)]j leo a
Tjlt rAi|vo5i|te .]. CT)óÓA cojtCftA, A5uf ublA CAict^e, A5Uf
CAO|iA cubAjicA : A5UT A5 jAbí^jl CfiiucA ceub O b-'piAC-

JIAC 1^1 ri) |l]f AT) 2t3uA|6 tiO Cll]C CAO|l bo IJA CAOjIAlb UACA,
A5U|* b'^'Af CAO|XCAt)r) AJ* At) 5-CA0)tflT), A5U|* ArA^b buAÓA
lOtDÓA A5 AT) 5-CA0|tCAT)t) y]r) A3Ur A5ÍV CAO|lA]b; Ó]]X v]

5AbArjr} 5aIa|i ]t;<v eA|-lAii)ce aot) bu]t)e biv T)-]ceAT)T) cjii
CAOfiA 6]ob, A5H)- bioi)t) Ti7ci|*5e fioTjA A5UÍ* ]*iv]*ATb feit)-
TT)í6 -[oddca; A5iif biv TTj-bAÓ AT) ceub bl^AÓAt) bív T)-bé]f,
bo itACpAÓ A T)-AO]|* A 6e]c nj-bliAOAT) picceAb at; cé bo
blA]f|:eA6 ^Ab."

" 21)a|1 bo CUAlAbAjl r^UACA í)é í)AT)AT)t) T)A buAÓA Ht» ^O

bejc A5 AT) 5-CA0]tcAt)t), ]to cui|ieAbAit cofT^eub uaca Yé]T)

A]Jl .]. AT) ScAltbiVT) LoclAt;r)AC, Ó3IAC biV TT)U1T)C)|1 }:^]r), .].

^ACAC cr)aiTÍ)íTeATÍ)Ait, TT)ópf |tói)AC, CA|n)-pi acIac, beAfts-

' i.e. The many-coloured one.

2 i.e. The crooked valley of the Fenians. The river Flesk, rising
near the eastern borders of Kerry, flows with a winding course west-
ward, through a very wild and mountainous country, into the Lake of
Killarney. This tract is called Glenflesk, and hence O'Douoghue, the
chief of it, bore the title of O'Donoglme of the Glens, which is retained
by his representative to this day.

» i.e. The Land of Promise. This is an instance of tlie mauner in

119

of an t-Ioldatliach,' and Fioghniiiin of Fionnmhur, and
many others who are not enumerated here."

" We, the Fenians of Erin, and they were for the space
of three days and three nights playing- the goal from Garbh-
abha na bh-Fiann, which is called Leamhan, to Crom-
ghleann na bh-Fiann,^ which is called Gleann Fleisge now;
and neither [party] of us won a goal. Now [the whole of] the
Tuatlia De Danann were all that time without our knowledge
on either side of Loch Lein, and they understood that if we,
the Fenians, were united, [all] the men of Erin could not
win the goal of us. And the counsel which the Tuatha De
Danann took, was to depart back again and not to play [out]
that goal with us. The provision that the Tuatha De Da-
nann had brought with them from Tir Tairngire^ was this ;
crimson nuts, and catkin apples, and fragrant berries ; and as
they passed through the cantred of Ui Fhiachrach by the
Muaidh,* one of the berries fell from them, and a quicken
tree grew out of that berry, and that quicken tree and its
beiTÍes have many virtues ;* for no disease or sickness
seizes any one that eats three Ijerries of them, and they
[who eat] feel the exhilaration of wine and the satisfying
of old mead ; and were it at the age of a century, he that
tasted them would return again to be thirty years old."

" When the Tuatha De Danann heard that those virtues
belonged to the quicken tree, they sent from them a guard
over it, that is, the Searbhan Lochlannach, a youth of their
own people, that is, a thick-boned, large-nosed, crooked-

which the Irish romancers draw upon biblical and otlier history, when
they wish to introduce something particularly remote and mysterious.

* Called in English the Moy, in the countj' of Sligo.

* bUAÓ. This word literally means a victory, hence the extraordinary
powers or virtues of amulets, &c. Jewels are called clocha buadh, i.e.
stones possessing virtue, probably from the ancient belief that gems were
efficacious for the discovering and counteracting of poisons and speils.

120

fá]\e^c, co]ip-\)U]6e, bo clo|t)t) CbAinj colUi5 '^l*^ Hao| ;
A5U|- V] 6eA|t3Ar)t) Ajtm Aijt, a-^mj- i)] loirseATjT? ze]x)e é,
A3uf ní bívcAtjt) u]f3e é |te rDé]& a ÓjiAoióeACCA. N] pujl
Acc Aot) c-|*úil ArbS^io A 5-ceAitc-lív]t A Ouib-eubAjt), A5U1*
Í5 irtiiteAnjAji iA|ittAir)t) ^ív corvp Ai) ^aíais T]^' ^3"r ^l
^u]l A tj-bínT) bo b^r b'^;\5Ail t)ó 50 n)-buAilceA|i cyti buill-
■[Óe bOT) lui|i5-pe<\|irí]-Aib lAttftAiijtj acív Ai5e Aip. 21
TT)-bí\fi|t Ar) CAOficATtjT) y]r) bo coblAr)r) fé |*at) 0|6ce, A5uf
A5ÍV biii; bjOT^r) fé |-Ar> ló bíi cóimeub; a5U|*, a cIaijtja
2l)l;ó||it;e, ]y ]Ab y\t) t)A CAOitA lA|t|iu}* }^]or)r) oft|tu|bre/'
A)t Oii'ít). " 2lcc ceAtjA rj] pu|iu|*fA 6íb bA^T) leo a|% aoi)
co|t, ói[i bo tt]5i)e Aij SeA|tb<vT) LocIaijo^c f|r) ^ívfAC bo tja
C|iiucA)b ceub ]oa cirpcioU, 50 t;<\c UitJArjT) pjooo IDíi^
7-lAijt)A &]|iiOT)r) ]*eAl5 ]t)íi p|a6ac bo 6euT)Arb Ai)t) aji casIa
A17 bíolAri7T)Ai5 flT)"

Ko lAbA])!. 2I06 rt)AC 2lr)bAlA n)ic 2l)bóftOA, A5UI* i|* é yio
jiivjo, 50 Tr)-b'peí\|i|t le|f b^f b'piv5Ail A5 iAft|tAi6 t)A

5-CAOft |*1TJ ]r)'<X bul CA|l A A]]* A|t 6uCCA|* A rÍ7Í^CA|t, A5Uf A

bub<\i|ic lie b-Oii'ír) a TT)U]t)C]|t bo có|rr)eub 50 ceACc CA]t a
T)-A|r bóib, A5Uf bív b-cuicpeAÓ í:é|r; A5Uf a óeA|ib-b|tíx-
CA]|t ]*Ar) cu|tuf fitj, A ri)U)T)ciit bo qooUcAO 50 r^íft
CA]]tT)5]|te. 215111* |to cion7t)<xbA|t ai? b]Af* beA5-lAoc fit;
ceAb A5U|* céileAbftAÓ bo Oii-ii;) a5U|* bo n}^]t]h tja "péiwe,
A5ur 110 jluAireAbAfi ^torDpA, 50 t;ac t)-A]C|t]|-ceA|t A
T)-]TÍ7CeACXA T)Ó 50 T1^t)5AbA|l Kof bív foileAC, |llf A ]tíV]6-
ceAjt l,u]n^i5eAC At) CAt) ^-o ; A5Uf i)] b-Aic|tifceA|t a tj-aojÓ-
CACC At) o]6ce |*|i). Ro é|ft5eAbAft 50 trioc Ajt t)-A tT)<\ftAC,
A5iif t)ío|t |'5uiitcAbA|t t)ó 50 ]i<M)5AbAii «Dubftof O b-"piAC-
tiAC, A5U|* A5 bill bo leAC-cAOib i;a p^obbA óó)b bo ^ruAfi-

' i.e. Ham or Cham, tlie son of Noah. lie is generally distinguished
in Irish writings by the epitliet collach, wicked, or more strictly, in-
cestuous.

' Here we have a specimen of a character compounded from sacred
and profane history. It is evident that the author had read of the Cy-

121

tusked, red-eyed, swart-bodied giant of the children of
wicked Cam, the son of Naoi;^ whom neither weapon
wounds, nor fire bums, nor water drowns, so great is his
magic. He has but one eye only^ in the fair middle of his
black forehead, and [there is] a thick collar of iron round
that giant's body, and he is fated not to die imtil there be
struck upon him three strokes of the iron club that he has.
He sleeps in the top of that quicken tree by night, and he
remains at its foot by day to watch it ; and those, chil-
dren of Moirne, are the berries which Fionn asks of you,"
said Oisin. " Howbeit, it is not easy for you to meddle
with them by any means ; for that Searbhan Lochlannach
has made a wilderness of the cantreds around him, so
that Fionn and the Fenians dare not chase or hunt there
for the dread of that terrible one."

Aodh the son of Andala Mac Moirne spoke, and what he
said was, that he had rather perish in seeking those berries
than go back again to his mother's country ; and he bade
Oisin keep his people until they returned again ; and should
he and his brother fall in that adventure, to restore his
people to Tir Taimgire. And those two good warriors
took leave and farewell of Oisin and of the chiefs of the
Fenians, and went their ways ; nor is it told how they fared
until they reached Kos da shoileach, which is called Luim-
neach now, and it is not told how they were entertained
that night. They rose early on the morrow, nor halted
until they reached Dubhros of Ui Fhiachrach, and as
they went towards the forest they found the track of Diar-

clops, but it is not as easy to determine where he found that any of the
Clann Chaim chollaigh had settled in Lochlin. It must be confessed
tliat the Irish romancers of the middle ages were not second in imagina-
tion to their brethren of the continent, who also took many liberties
with the iJersonages of antiquity.

AbAfi lori5 í)biAíirr)ubA A5U]- 5bí»^ir)')e M)t), A^uf jto
IcAtjAbAji At) lofi5 50 boiuif r)A p(AT)bo]ce lUA jtAib <l)|AJl-
n}U]b A5U]* ^T^^^ItJUO. Ho tí)ocui5 'DiATtn}U|b lAbfAt? A5
ceACC cum T)A piAiibojce, A5ur CU5 Urb ca^a lAOcb^ ca]%

A leACAtJ-AflTDAlb, A^Uf |tO ^|Ap)1lll5 C]A b-1At> A b^ fAI)

bopuf. *'<Do clAi)t)Aib 2t)ó|ítT)e ri')»?/' ■o^T^ ri^J^^- " Cia
bo clAi^rjA^b 2l)óifiT;e fib?" Ajt 'D|Afirr)uib. " 2lo6 njAC
2lt)bAlA TÍ71C 2t)bó|ar)A, Asuf 2lou5u|* n^AC 2l|itc ó]5 Tb^c
2t)bóftt)A," Ajt n^^' " Cfieub piv b-civi)5AbAifi bou ^ loóbA
|"0 r" Aft í)iA|tTDuib. " f]or)\) rt)AC Cbwri^Aill bo cui|i A5
lAjtitAfÓ bo cii;t)|*e X]m," a|i flAb, " njixy cu í)iA|in)uib
O i)u|br)e." " )y n)é 50 beirblij, ' a^ <t)iAftn)uib. *' 2t)Ai-
reAÓ," A|t ri<^^> " T)i b-^^'ll le piotjt) 3An bo ceAr)t)f a tjó

I'M) A 6ui|tt)l) bo CAOflAjb CAOflCAinT) i)ubftu]f b'l^ivjAil

uAitjrje A T)-éi]tic A ACAji. " " Hj puytuffA Ójbfe ceACCATt

ACO |-]T) b'fil5A]l," A|l i)]AftIT)Ulb, '* ASUf ]V TI)A]lt5 Afl A

nj-biAb t;eA|tc ai) f]|i fio; A5iif ]f Aicujb bATT)fA 5u]iAb é
TDAfibAO bAjt i)-AicfteAC bo jti50o, A5u|* i)']0]i beA5 bo fii)
rnAfi eitijc uAfbfe. " " Mio|t beA5 bu|cfe," ajx 2lo6 rpAC
2lt)bAlA rbjc 2t)bóyu)A, " a beAtj bo bjteic ó pbio^t)» ^^^S^r
5AT) bo befc Aj beurjAtb cituirt) aiji.' "Mi tt)A|í cftort) a
be)|tirni*e fub," A|i i)|Aiirr)u]b, " acc bo cor)i)Afic A f*Arf)Ail
A]5e b<v óeuijArb Ap. Cbop^r) itjac }'bli)T) L]AcIiiacjia |tO]tT)e
fo, rtjAji iT)T)eofAb bibfe Atjoif."

" Liv bi\ pA^b "pioijo A b-'CeArT)|tAi5 LuACfiA, Asuf mAice
A5uf n)ó|t uA]fle pblAi^T) 6]p]OT)t) ^rjA pocAi|t, i)io|v c|AT) bo
bikbAii Ai; CA1) Ab coi;cAbA|i aoi) Ó5IAC n)óp. njíleAÓcA
TT)eA|t-CAlu7A A 5-ce]]ic-rbeo6At) A]ut} A5uf é|b|6 b<v Tj-ior)r)-
fAi5]ó, A^uf |to pAfjtiiis pioDD b"PblAOt)Aib 6iftioi;t) Ar»
b-cu5AbAjt A]ci;c a]|i. 21 bubpAbAjx cS^c a 5-co]ccii;oe ijSift

' Teamhair Luaclira was also called Teamhair Earaan, being the royal
residence of the country of the Earna, or descendants of Oilioll Earann,
commonly called in English the Ernans of Munster. It was situated in
the district of Sliabh Luachra, whence the name in the text, and tliough
tlie name Teamhair Luachra no longer exists, the site of the fort is

123

Timid and Graiime there, and they Ibllowed the truck to the
door of the hunting booth in which were Diarmuid and
Grainne. Diarmuid heard tliem coming to the hunting
booth, and stretched an active warrior hand over his broad
weapons, and asked who they were that were at the door.
"We [are] of the Clanna Moirne," said they. "Which
of the Clanna Moirne [are] ye?" said Diarmuid. " Aodh
the son of Andala Mac Morna, and Aonghus the son of
Art og Mac Morna," said they. " Wherefore are ye come
to this forest ?" said Diarmuid. " Fionn Mac Cumhaill
hath sent us to seek thy head, [that is,] if thou be Diar-
muid O'Duibhne." " I am he, indeed," quoth Diarmuid.
" Well then," said they, " Fionn will not choose but get
thy head, or the full of his fist of the berries of the quicken
of Dubhros from us in eric of his father." " It is no easy
matter for you to get either of those things," said Diar-
muid, " and woe to him that may fall under the power of
that man. I also know that he it was that slew your fa-
thers, and surely that should suffice him as eric from you."
" Truly it should suffice thee," said Aodh the son of An-
dala Mac Morna, " to have taken his wife from Fionn,
without reviling him." " It is not to revile him I say that,"
quoth Diannuid, " but I [once] before saw him do the like
to Conan the son of Fionn of Liatliluachra, as I will relate
to you now."

" Of a day that Fionn was in Teamhair Luachra^ and
the chiefs and great nobles of the Fenians of Erin by him,
they were not long before they saw a tall, warriorlike, ac-
tively valiant youth [coming] towards them, completely
arrayed in weapons and amiour ; and Fionn enquired of
the Fenians of Erin whether they knew liim. They all and

marked by Beul atba na Tcamhracli, a ford on a small stream, near
Castleisland in the county of Kerry, Dr. O'Donovan considers Teamh-
air Shubha to be another name of the same place. Vide Leabhar na
g-Ceart.

104
i:u5A&Afi. ' N] rrjAfi x}x) bArnf*,' A|i "pioiji), ' A]Z\-)]-^]n}

5U|t UATTJA ÓAIÍ) pé]t) é.' CíV]T)15 AT? C-Ó5IAC bO lSXÍA]}\ ]A]i

X]i), A5U1* beATjDuiseAf bójb. "pboccAf pioiji) ]*5eulA 6e,
C]A b-é^^l'^ i^ó cív cí|t i;ó cC\ caIatt) 6o. ' Co!)ívi) rpAC
"pblUt) l-iAcluACfiA m'AjDrn,' A|i yé, ' A5Uf]io bíi roACAjyafe

A3 TTJAjtbAÓ c'ACAllfA A 5-CAC Cbt)UCA, A5U|* bO CUIC ^é]!)
fAT) r)5Í0TT) T*11), AJUf bO 1A|tftAl6 A 10t)A]b A b-piAt)r)ui5-

eACc c<vr)5ATi7A|x bor) bul ^o.' ' ^Do jeubAiit j-it)/ A|t f]ovv,
' Acc 50 b-cu5Aift éiT^ic bOwrijfA Arn aca]|i.' ' Mív b"l<'^T*T'
é]|tic Ai|t/ Ayt 0|nr>, * Acc a aca^ix bo cuicym leACfA.'
' Ní 5eubAb fit) UAjo,' A|t "pioTji), ' ó^it t^í pulíini bArij
cuylle é]]tce b'^íV5A]l uaió.' 'C|teub At) é||t]c acao| A3
]A|t]tAi6 ?' A|t CoijiVT). ' Mí ^uil Acr CTjuTT) ceAt)t)-peATbA|t

Cb^ir) TÍ71C OlllolU OluitT), A CeAT)T) bO CAbAlllC leAC A

V-t]]x]c n)'AéA|t cu3ATt7rA,' A]t "pior)!). ' í)o bei]tin) conj-

ATJtle TT)A1C OUyc, A CboníV]!),' AJt 0]|*ít), ' .|. bul Tt)A|t Aft
b-OjleAÓ CU, A3Uf 3Ar) nOCC^l'? b'jAHÍtAlÓ A|l "pblOi;») At)

^Ajb ri)A]íipior fé.' "

" ' Cjteub í At) ctjuti) úb,' A|t Cot)ívt), ' rt)A|i t)ac tT)-bA]r)-
XWVV^ ^ ceAT)t) b] ?' ' 2lcíc,' A|t Oiríi), ' uajji bA|i é]fti3

Ollioll Olll|tT) An)<\C Ó í)búl) 60CA|tTT)U13e, A3Uf SAÓb

1T)3lot) Cbui»)!) ceubcACAi3, A beAt) A3U|' a bAii)-céile, a

T1)AlUe t^ltjf, A3Uf ]Ab AjlAOt) A|t AOt) CAjlbAb ; ]to h'<x
SAÓb CAobcjlOrt) COftjlAC At) CAt) f|t), A3Uf bO COl)t)A]|tC

fí c|tAob bftA0]3it) óf A c|ot)i) A T)-aiiabe a3u|- a Ui) íxi]t-
•t)eA6 u]fifte. ■Cíxp)]3 t7)|At) i)a t)-^i|tt)eA8 aji SbAjOb, a5u|'
bo cyiot Oil]oll At) c|t<vob yo]t cU]t uaccaux ai) cA]ibA]b,
3U|t ]t SAÓb A lcopóóicii) bjob. Ro f-]lleAbA|t caji a t)-Aif
A bAfle, A51H* bo |tu5 y] 5]!) rbji) ívlu]t)t) TbulUc-leACAt)
fbic bot) cjton)-coiftceAf i-ji) .]. CfAT) rt)AC OiIjoUa 0\u]rn,
A3U|* |tu3 |t|5 CblA|t|tiii6o l-uAcjiA \e]y bív Alcftort) é. 2icc

' The Irish frequently use the 1st pers. pi. for emphasis.

' Literally, Ask of him no eric beyond the fall of his father by thee.

' The ancient name for the territory which is now comprized by the

12.J

every one said that they knew him not. ' Not so I/ quoth
Fionn, * I perceive that he is an enemy to me.' The youth
came before them after that, and gi-eets them. Fionn asks
tidings of him, who he was, or of what country or what
region he came. ' Conan the son of Fionn of Liathluachra
is my name,' said he, ' and my father was at the slaying
of thy father at the battle of Cnucha, and he perished
himself for that act, and it is to ask for his place among
the Fenians that we are now come,'' ' Thou shalt obtain
that,' quoth Fionn, ' but thou must give me eric for my
father.' ' Ask no further eric of him,' said Oisin, ' since
his father fell by thee.'^ ' I vrill not take that from him,'
said Fionn, ' for I must needs have more eric from him.'
' What eric dost thou ask ?' said Conan. ' It is but the
large-headed worm of Cian the son of Oilioll Oluim, to
bring its head to me in eric of my father,' said Fionn. ' I
give thee a good counsel, Conan,' said Oisin, ' to de-
part where thou wast reared, and to ask no peace of Fionn
.so long as he shall live.' "

" 'What is that worm,' asked Conan, 'that I should
not cut off its head?' ' It is [this], quoth Oisin : ' of a time
that Oilioll Oluim went forth out of Dun Eocharmlmighe,
with Sadhbh the daughter of Conn of the hundred battles,
his wife and his mate, along with him, and they both in
one chariot, Sadhbh was then heavy and pregnant, and she
saw a blackthorn branch over her head covered with sloes.
A desire for those sloes came upon Sadhbh, and Oilioll
shook the branch over the upper board of the chariot, so
that Sadhbh ate her fill of them. They returned home
again, and Sadhbh bore a smooth fair lusty son of that
heavy pregnancy, that is, Cian the son of Oilioll Oluim ;
and the king of Ciarruidlie Luachra-'' took him witli him to

county of Kerry, and wliich takes its name from Ciar, one of its ancient
monarch s.

V26

ce-M)A. If AtnUib |io biv <m7 thac fin A^uf bfiuirD-i<\ll z<\]x a
ceAtjn A^p, A5U|' 5AC bifeAC biv n^-bejfieAÓ At) rrjAC fjr) bo
beipcAÓ At) bfiuirD-jAll bifeAC leir-

" ' Ho ^ívf A5U|' |io f:o)tbAi|i C|Ar) 5u|i fUt)ui5 a ^|cce
bljAOAit), A5Uf \io biv t)]o>x nJAc ojle A5 0]ljoll, a5U]* \io
ba ATj c|t]A|t ]i)5r)iorbA At) cai) 1*117. Ro bivbAjt cpiAft eAC-
Iac .!• 5ioUAT6e, aco, A5UI* ]to cuAÓbAjt i)A 5]ollAióe
A]n7|*]|i ik]|i]5ce 50 ceAC S5ac^]1) rb|c SsAt^Dlix^i) Afi ao]Ó-
eACc. Ho biv S5ACÍVT) 50 tr)A]t ]i]u ai) o]6ce y]\j, a5u|" a
bubA]|tc, ' ACÍV irleAÓ aíji}|* At) ceA5 fo Atjocc pa corbA]|t
'pbl')') "^1^ CburiiAiU, A51H* bo jeubcA]6 b^ji i)-bóiC|T) bo
biA6 rb^ic 0]\e a i)-eu5rt7uif t)a fle]6e nt).' Bo CAiceAbAii
A5-cuib At) o]6c.e yv), a5u|- b'éntseAbAit 50 tr^oc a]i t}-A

TbiVjlAC, A5Uf bo CUAÓbAtX CA]t A r)-A1f 50't)Ú)) 6ocAHTbu|5e,

A5UT civ^tUbAjt cjtiAit n)AC OtIioUa a^ At) b-pAjcce jtortjpA

.]. 605 AT) tDÓjt, C011TT)AC CAf, A5U|- C^At), A5U]* |t0 ^jAp-

|tii15 6o5At) ba 3ioIIa ca jtA^b ye A|té||t. ' Ko babttjAji a

b-ceA5 SSACaiD rblC S5AT)l)lait),' A|t AT) 51011a. 'ClOt)t)Uf

bo bíoócup ASUjb At)t) ?' Aji 605A1). ' <t)o biobcup 50 tdaic/
Ajt AD 31oIIa. Ho piAniiM3 Co|itDAC. ' 5o rr)A]t,' A|i At)
51oIIa. Ko piAp|tu]5 CiAt) At) ceubt)A ba s^oUa. ' <t)o
bíoócur 50 b-olc,' A|t 5ioIIa CbólD, ' ónt bo tt)A0]6 ye
0|X|tuit)t) 50 ]tAib pleAÓ Ai5e y'A con)A]]\ fh]VV W\c Cbmi)-
A1II, A-^uy v] CU5 ye: A blA]- búit)t)e.' ' Na c|teib t,' Aji t)a
51ollAi6e oile, ' ói|t i^o h] ye 50 n)A]t Iidd jie c&ile.' ' 43o
beufipAiÓ yé bjol bArbf^^ K^ 3^^^ ^ ^^1^ ^^' "'■*F l^"? t}'^^^^
pelt),' Ajt CjAt). ' Na b-AbAi|i rit)/ Afi CoyttTjAc Cap,
* óifi ]y peAn pioi}f)pA ÓAiTjpA é, A5up Aca A pa^c bo C)3eAft-
i)A Ai5e .y-fio^ji) rt)AC Cburi)Aill.' 'Hi rt)]pbe liott),' a|i
CiAt); ' itAcpAb bori) beAjtjiAÓ cu]5e.' )y ATt)l<x]6 bo b| At)

1 lTj5T)ioti)A is of the same meaning as inpeAonjA, from 10, fit for, and
5PÍ0TÍ), a deed or exploit.

2 GioUa. The original meaning of this word is a youth, in which sense
it ocnurs in proper names, as An Giolla dubh. Jl also eume to signify a

127

rear him. iSow that boy was so with a caul across his head,
and according as the boy increased so also the caul in-
creased.' "

. " ' Gian gi'ew and enlarged until he had completed twenty
years, and Oilioll had two other sons, and those three were
then of fnll strength.' They had three eachlachs, that is,
servants,^ and of a certain time the servants went to the
house of Sgathan the son of Scannlan to be entertained.
Sgathan used them well that night, and said, ' There is a
feast to-night in this house [prepared] for Fionn Mac Cum-
haill, and ye shall be well and plentifully fed elsewhere, albeit
ye come not to that feast,' They ate their food that night, and
arose early on the morrow, and returned back to Dun Eochar-
mhuighe, and the three sons of Oilioll Oluim were before
them on the plain ; that is, Eoghan mor, Cormac Gas, and
Cian ; Eoghaii enquii-ed of his servant where he had been
the last night. ' We were in the house of Sgathan the son
of Scannlan.' 'How did ye fare there?' asked Eoghan.
' We fared well,' said the servant. Cormac asked. ' Well,'
said the servant. Cian asked his servant the same thing.
' We fared ill,' said Clan's servant, * for he boasted to us
that he had a feast [prepared] for Fionn Mac Cumhaill, and
he never suffered us to taste it.' ' Believe him not,' said
the other servants, ' for we were all used well.' ' He shall
pay me for not using my servant well,' said Cian. 'Say
not that,' said Cormac Cas, ' for he is my fencing-master,
and he has a sufficient lord,^ that is Fionn Mac Cumhaill.'
' I care not,' said Cian, ' I will go to him to be shaved.' Now

servant, as in the proper names Giolla Brighde, Giolla Padruig, i.e. the
servant or devotee of Bridget, of Patrick ; but at the present day it de-
notes a farm servant who drives a cart, commonly called a guide. The
Scotch have introduced the word into Englisli, Gilly.

* That is to say, his chief, Fionn, would be able to avenge an injury
done to his dependent.

V2S

CjAT) f]t), T)ío]t beív|t|i Aor) bu]t)e A^iAtt) & t)AC rn-b<\]n|reAÓ a
ceAtjT) be i Ajuf* bo 3luAi]- Ciad |to|TT)e 50 bur) S5AcC\it)
TT)ic S5At)t;l^]t). Ko c(xjtlA S5ACC\r) Ajt AT) b-pATCce jtoirbe,

A5Ur |tO ^1Afr]tU15 C|At) Alfl A beApflAÓ. ' í)© ÓéT),' Aft

SsAC^r), ' ó|it II* é ]f ceAftftb bAii^r^'^ beAjiitAO bo óeutjAri),
A5UI* Auu f"^ ^V ^^^^ iuAi)-beit>|rt) é Ajuf é]fi]5|'e yiotvAn)
AVT):' Ajuf bo sluA)]- CfAij b'|O0»)r<vi5]6 At) cije. i)o
CUA16 SsAcai) b'iot)i)fAi5i6 A ci5e cobAÍCA, A-^uy bo cujft a
AiTtTT) A5ur A éjbeAÓ Aijt, A5ur <^VV nv CU5 rSlAfJ A5"r
u|f5e leff ]T)A l^iif), A5uf too cua]6 rr)A|t a itAjb Ciat).
' C|ieub friv b-cu5ATT* t;a b-Ai|in) ]-ir) leAc ?' A]i C]AT)- ''Do
clu]t)]n)/ A|i S5ACÍVT), '50 n)A|ibAni) ciifA 5AC t;eAC ba
rt7-beAjt]iAi)T) cu, A3UI' bo Set) tuy^ too beA|t]tA6 peAj-bA.' "

"'JA|t f]r) bo T*5A0]l SsAcivt) aij ceAi;75Al |to b^ a|i
ceAi)T) Cb^ir), Ajui* bo jiUAifi bjiuirTj-fAll rbó|t or) 5-cluAif

50 Cefle Al|t. ' 21 1) é |-0 AÓbAjt fíV a TT)A]lbAT)1J CUfA 3AC

T)eAC biv TT)-beA|t|iAi)r) cu ?' A]t SsAcixt). ' jf é 50 be]tt)iT),'
A|t CiAT), ' ^5»!* 1^1 bAOJAl biijcfe tt)6.' ' í)o befitjrr^i'e rrjo
bfiiACAfx, Ajt S5Ai)i)Utj, ' 30 T)-bér)í*A AÓbAjt n)0 ti)A]ibcA
leAc Ar)0]|* T)ó 30 rn-biA]6 a }:]oy A3ArT) cfieub At) p^c ACix
A3Ab At)T) |-o.' JAjt r]t) ru3 p50]i bot) X'5^]V cA|tr At; bitu|n)-
éjll 3u]t f3ir)r) ctjurb Aipbe, A3U|* jto ^l]il3 bo l&irt) Iúcií)ai|i
lí\|i)eubc|iu]rt) 30 Tt^ir)]3 píojirT)ullAC íja bfiii 131)6, A3uf" A3
cú]|tlit)3 At)UAp b] cixjtlA C]tAOn*eAC Cb&|i) ■\\0]rr)}>c, A3Uf
|to cuffi cfiuA6f'r)A6TT)AT)t)A córb6Ait)3t)e bO|*3AO|lce u|ftfie
p^jt) pa ceAt)t) T)A c|tA0|pi3C. "Cap eip ceAi)i) Cl)&it) bo
beAjtftAÓ |to cÓ3A]|t S3Acívt) At) ci)iiti) bo rbAftbAO, acc a
bubAi|tc CfAt) 3At) A rt)ApbA8 30 rT)-beu|tpA8 p&|i) 301)11)36
SAi6b ]vti]Oi) Cbiii':)!) ceub-CACAi3 ], ' ói]t if |T)a b)tu|t)t)
bo 3eii)eA6 ai) ct)im) fit).' "
" '2lb-a|cle p])) jto cu||tS3AC<vt) luiboAt)i)A fce A3up U^]j]]]'

' Here the writer should have liad but, or, liowevcr. Owing to care-
lessness of style A5ur (and) is often used in place of other conjunctions,

129

Cian was so that no man ever sliaved him but he would
take his head from him, and Cian went his ways until he
came to the Dun of Sgathan tlie son of Scannlan. Sgathan
chanced to be on the plain before him, and Cian asked him
to shave him. ' I will do so,' said Scannlan, ' for that is
my trade, to shave ; and yonder is the house where I do
it, do thou go on before me to it ;' and Cian went to the
house. Scathan went to his sleeping house, and put on
himself his arms and his armour, and then he brought a
knife and water in his hand, and went where Cian was.
' Wherefore hast thou brought those weapons with thee V
said Cian. ' Í hear,' quoth Scannlan, ' that thou art wont
to slay every one that shaves thee, and [nevertheless] I
will shave thee for the future.' "

" ' Thereafter Sgathan loosed the binding which was upon
tlie head of Cian, and found a large caul from ear to ear
upon him, ' Is this the reason that thou killest every one
that shaves thee ?' asked Sgathan. ' It surely is,' said
Cian, ' and^ thou needest not fear me.' ' I pledge my
word,' said Scannlan, ' that I will now do what would cause
thee to slay me, that I may know what reason thou hast
Iiere.' Upon that he gave a rip of the knife across the caul,
so tliat a worm sprang out of it, and rose with a swift very
light bound until it reached the very top of the dwelling ;
and as it descended from above it met the spear of Cian,
and twisted itself in hard firm indissoluble knots about the
head of the spear. After Clan's head was shaved Sgathan
would fain have killed the worm, but Cian said not to kill
it until he himself should have taken it to Sadhbh, the
daughter of Conn of the hundred battles, ' for in her womb
that worm was generated.' "

" 'After that, Sgathan applied balsams and healing herbs

e.g. tDÓ^'AV 00 TTjAttbAó A5ur &0 bíxcAó, (4 Mast. A.D. 1543), many were
slain and drowned, where it should have been, were slain or drowned.

y

jto ci)eA6A]b C})é]\), A5uf |to 5luNXir CjAi) ftojnje 50 t)ui)
6ocA|tn>u]5e, A5uf a c]iAoireAc }:o]i a beuU^b A]-^e, Asm*
At) court) ceAt)3Ailce 6]. "CaitlA Oil]oU Oluirt) ^-^uy SA6b
^loirbe A|t At) b-pAicce, A^ur t*o ]nr)]y Cjai) f5eulA t)A
ct)uirbe óójb ó cúir 50 be]|teA6. 21 biibAi|xc 0]l]oll At) crjurt)
bo rT)A|tbA6, Acc AbubA]|tc SAÓb t)AC tt)Ai|ieobcAi6e, ' ó]\x v]

^]0f,' A]t ri, ' 1)AC 10t)At)t) ]tAe 6] AJUf bo CblAt) ;' A5Uf If
^ COrt)AItlle A|l A|t CltJt) 0]ll0ll A5Uf SA8b .]. ^OT)t)AC bAjt)-

5eAT) clivi^t bo cujt ii)a citDcioU, A5uf leAfU5A6 A^uy livtj-
cóitu5A6 bi6 A5Uf bije bo cu|t cúice 5AC lív.' "

" ' Ko f'Ay A5Uf jxo ^o|ibAi]t At) ci)UTt) ]-]T) iOT)t)uf 50 rt)-bA6
é]3eAt) At) fOT)t)AC bo fSAOjleAO ^tja rin)qoll, A-^uy ceAC
corbólúc bo 6eur)ATt) 6]. Ko ^ii]* A5Uf ^o ^o|ibAi|t Af fit)
50 ceAi)t) bljAOTjA, iot)t)uf 50 |tA]b ceub ceAt)t) ui|ttie, a5u]*
30 iD-bAÓ cuiDA lé] qA At) ceAi)i) it)A b-ce(i)3eort)A6 At)
b]A6 bo cuijiq cú]ce, A3Uf í50 f'lo]3fíeA8 cujiaÓ t)ó Iaoc 30

T)-A A|ltt)Alb A3Uf A é]beA8 ATJt) 3AC CeAI)T) C|tA0fC03At)CAC

bív ^A]b ui]t|ie.' "

]tii]6e iuACitA b'}:]0\' a corbÓAÍcA .]. C^At) trjAC OiI]oIIa,

A3U|- tl)A]t CUaIai8 CUA]tUf5Abí^ll l)A Ct)UlTt)e fjt), ]tO CUAjÓ bo

8eut)AiT) |ot)3At)cuif bj, A3uf b'éi]ti5 ^ija feAf Ati) Aji bi^T^ji
At) c-rot)t)Ai5. 2t)A|t TruAiit At) ct)urt) |xa6a|ic A||t, CU3 ric

f At)t)CAC t)ltT)t)eAC t)AllÍ)beArT)All Al|t, 5U|l bA]t) At) COf ór>

3-colpA x'^oy be; A3uf tt)A|i cot)CAbA|i rt)i)ív A3uf tT)ior)-
bAoit)e At) bA^le At) 5T)íott) f^t), |to ceiceAbA|t \i]le A-^uy |to
fra5bAbA]t At) but) ^tja ^ív]-ac ^oUti) it)A t)-biAi5. 21)Ait
cuaIaiÓ 0]lioU y]V, A bubAi|tc At) ci)utt) bo ti)A|tbA8 b'cAsU
30 t)-biot)3i)A8 eucc ]íí\ tt)ó it)^ fp), A3Uf |to aoi)Cui3 SA8b

A IDA]tbA8. 2l3Uf tDA|l ^UA|lAbA|t At) CeA3lAC AI) CCAb 1*11)

I The whole story of this wonderful reptile, whicli from a mere grub
becomes a dragon of the first magnitude, is a curious piece of invention.
The idea was probably borrowed from the classical fables of the Hydra,
the Dragon of the Ilesperides, &c.

131

to the wounds of Cian, and Cian went his ways to Dun
Eocharmhuighe bearing- his spear before him, and the worm
knotted to it. Oilioll Oluim and Sadlibh chanced to be be-
fore him upon the plain, and Cian told them the story of
the worm fi'om first to last. Oilioll said to kill the worm,
but Sadhbh said that it should not be killed, ' for we know
not,' quoth she, ' but that it and Cian may be fated to have
the same span of life ;' and the counsel upon which Oilioll
and Sadhbh determined was this, to put a strong defence
of wood around it, and to send it every day nourishment
and a plentiful portion of meat and drink.' "

" ' That wonn grew and increased so that it was needful
to open the enclosure round it, and to build for it a very
fast [and larger] house. Thence it grew and increased [yet]
to the end of a year, so that there were a hundred heads'
upon it, and that it mattered not into which head came the
food that was sent to it, and it would swallow a hero or a
warrior with his arms and his armour in each of its greedy
ravening heads.''' "

*' ' Now at that very time and season the king of Ciarr-
iiidhe Luachra came to see his foster-son, that is, Cian the
son of Oilioll ; and when he had heard the account of that
wonn he went to gaze and marvel at it, and rose and stood
upon the top of the wall. When the wonn got sight of
him it gave an eager, deadly, hostile spring upon him, so
that it lopped off his leg fi-om the thigh down ; and when
the women and the small people' of the place saw that
deed, they all fled and left the Dun desert and empty after
them. When Oilioll heard that, he said that the worm
should be slain lest it might do some greater horror than
[even] that, and Sadhbh consented that it should be slain.
When the household had gotten that leave, they kindled the

* The original adjective is one word, craoschogantack, compounded of
craos, gluttony, and cogantach, from cognaim, I chew.
3 A frequent expression for women and children.

|to cui|teAbA|i At) bin; cfié fio|5i)i 8oi)i;-|tuAi6 boA|i5-Ui'iiAc
]i)A cirnc]oll. 2lr;t) i*]i) A^) uAi|t b'Ajftij Ai) CT)iiri) ceAf t)a
ce]t)eA6 A5 buA]») |i]A, a5U|' aij ceAC A5 cuicinj uiii]te; |to
é]|t]5 bo bAO|cl&irr) eubcjtuin) cfxé tííuUac ai; Z]-^e fUA]*,
Ajuj* bo JAb jtoinjpe |*ia|i ajuj* a\) ceA5lAC ioa bjA^^, 30
]iivii;]5 iKXjrb 6ojtCA "peAmxijA Ai;-]A]tcA|t CljoftCA U] t)buib-
T)e. Ko cuAib A|*ceAC ]*Ai) ud^ri?, A5uf bo it|5T)e fix|*AC boi)
C|i]ucA ceub ]*]r) it)A cin7C)oll, 50 tjac Ií\tt)Ai& Fiotjr) it)<v
plAi)t)A Q,]]i]oi)i) ]*eAl5 TT)a |:ia6ac bo Oeui^Atr) ai)1) le |tAe
T)A ci)U]TT)e |*]ix, Aju]* 11* é A ceAUt) y\v \^W^^Vl~]'^^^^^ OjtcVA,

A Cboi)^ir>/ A]t Oinr)-"

" '2t)ATfeA6/ A|i CoT)ivi), ' i^- |:c^|i]t 1]0(T)|'a bivf b'pa-
JA]! A5 ]A|t]aA]6 T)A b-éijtce ]*|u, pjiv bul CAji n? All* roA|i
Ajt b-oilsAÓ rn6.' "

" 2l]|t I'll) ]io c]on7AiT) ceAb ^■^iiy cejlcAbfiAO A5 0]f]ij
A5u|* A5 nMlcjb TjA 'péiijoe, Ajuf bo ^liiAif itOjTbe 50
|ta|t)i5 '^^^ ^l^ T?-* T^^]'^ ^^J cr)urb. 2lfi i;-A pAiCfji) bo
CboiAi) |to cu]]! A Tbeujt A ]niAicu]b fiobA Ai} 3A0] 6e|fi5,
A-^uy rn]ye ye^^y CU5 iai'Acc At) 5A0] 6e]|i5 bo," a|i «DiAjt-
n7U]b, " rt)A|i jIacaj* C0T)Ailbe A5UI' biv^O y]X]y ; ó||i bo bj a
y]oy ASAiT) t)Ac |iA]b A n)A]tbAÓ ]y m) 5-cixu|T)i)e n7ui)A n)A]it-
eobAÓ AT) 5A beA]t5 ]. 2l5U|- CU5 1105A ad uitcA]|i be 5ii|t
cu]ii c|té T)-A b-irnliocivi) é, A5U|* |to TÍ)A|ib bAjceAfS ■^^'^
u|tcAi|i ]*ir) ], Aguf CU5 ceAOD bii ceADUA^b bo UcA]]t

'pblO'); -^SUT A|l 1)-A1C]1) A1) CIDD b'pblODD, A bubAlJtC VAC

í)5eobA6 5AT) cu]lle é]jtco b ^•íx5A|1 ]i)a ACA]|t 6 Cbo^ixij.
)r 1 ni? "■^IT^ ^^"r ■^-I'^ni^ c<v]i;|5 ^tjaS ^.-acac foluA]n7t)eAC

b'|Ot)t)|-A]5l6 1)A CUICA IDAjl A llAbAinAllt1)C Ujlo At) TAl) fft);

A5u|' |to loAt;An7A]t u]le at) i-'jAO. Ob couiMiftc Cotjixt) ]*it),
C115 ys]^i cAjt lo|t5 }i]y Atj b-'P6]t)i), a5uí* |to Ioaij pep)

' The verb used here expresses any kind of perception, whether by
hearing, feeling, or otherwise. The Irish frequently render it in En-
glish hy feel, so that a man is heard to say, "I felt him coming towards
me ;" " Do you feel him yet," &c.

133

Dun into a dusky-red crimson-flaming blaze of fii'e around
it [i.e. the wonn]. Then when the worm perceived^ the heat
of the fire touching* it and the house falling upon it ; it rose
upwards with an airy exceeding light spring through the
roof of the house, and went its ways westward with the
household after it, until it reached the dark cave of Fearna
in the cantred of Corca Ui Dhuibhne.^ It entered hito
the cave and made a wilderness of that cantred round about
it, so that Fionn and the Fenians of Ireland dare not either
chase or hunt there during the life of that worm : and its
head it is that Fionn asks of thee, Conan,' said Oisin."

" ' Howbeit,' said Conan, ' I had rather meet my death
in seeking that eric than go back again where I was reared.' "

" Thereat he took leave and farewell of Oisin and of the
chiefs of the Fenians, and went his ways to the place where
the worm was. When Conan beheld it he put his finger
into the silken loop of the Ga dearg, and it was I myself
that had lent liim the Ga dearg," said Diarmuid, "for
I had conceived an attachment and affection for him ;
for I knew that nothing in the world could slay it unless
the Ga dearg did. And he made a careful cast of it, so
that he put it through the navel of the worm, and killed
it by virtue of that cast, and took one of its heads into the
presence of Fionn ; and when Fionn knew the head, he
said that he would not be content without getting further
eric from Conan for his father. Now at that very time
and season there came towards the tulach where we all were
then, a mighty very swift stag ; and we all followed the
stag. When Conan saw that he covered the retreat of the
Fenians,^ and he himself and Fionn followeth the stag ;

* Called in English the barony of Corcaguiney, in the county of
Kerry.

* Covered the retreat. Literally, held a shield over the track for the
Fenians. This is a technical military phrase which occurs in the Irish

134

A5uf lp]Oi)r) A17 jT^Ab ; A5Uf tjj |iívi6ceA|i f5eului5eAcc
0|i]tcA 30 |ti^t)5A&A|» cu5A|t)T)e u|tD c|iívcr)ót)A bo IÓ, ASllf
be]7ieA6 ^eoliv^]-^ aij ^ia]6 Aft Cbotji^r) a t)-b]Aib 'pblT)'^
A5iif v]o-\i ]A]t|i 7^iOT)T) &i|t]c A|t b]c A|t Cbo'J^t) Ó ITOIt) Ale :
A^iiy bA|t bA^i lívri7A|bfe, a cIaijija 2t)bói|ti)e," A|t Í))ati-
n7U|&, " T)] ^eAbA|tTT7A|t At) biv beoii) t)ó bív A^ibbeoit) jio
bA|T) Coiji^r) fie b"pblor)i) At) l^ H'^j •^S^r ^'^^T^ M^n) TJÍOT*
tbó At) eu5có]|i Y]V ]V'^ ^IT^lc a acaji !5'iA|i]tA]b o|v]tu]bfe,
A5Uf tjivjt beA5 »0 n?A|t é]|i]C 5U|i a n)-hyiu]x)r) bA|i njixfc-
|ieAC A b2ibA]]t A|i b-t,\x]z]n) bA|i T)-AicneAc ■\i]x V^]Vi 5^V
bAti 5-cu|i b'iA|i|tAi6 CAOjv CAO|tcA]i)i) i)ub-|toif t)6 njo
cit)t)fe, ói|i ii* é At) ceAtji) cu|tAi6 lAjijiuf piot)T) ojipuibfe é;
A5uf 516 be ACA beujtpAib f ]b cu^se, t)i bfA^b x]t ASujb f ^
6eoi3."

" C^ieub fAb 1JA CAOftA úb lA|i|tiif 'p]Ot)t)/' bo |tivi6
3]tixii)t)e, *'Tt)A|i t)AC b-pé]b]|t A b-pix5Ail bo?" " 2lc^,"

A]t i)]AyxmU]b, " C|tAT)l) CAO]aCAlt)') í)'fííV5A]b "CuACA t)é
<t)At)At)1) A b-C|t]UCA Ceub O b-plACIlAC ; AJUf 5 AC CAO]t

biv b-c]5 A]t At) 5-cnAt)U fit) bjb buAÓA forpOA aco .]. biot)r)
nje^y^e fiot)A A5Uf fivfArb feit)-rbl6 At)T) 5^6 CAO|i í>íob;
A5U|* 5|6 be CAicfeAf c|ti cao|ia b^ob, bix Ti)-bA6 f-Ut) a
ceub bl]A6Ait) bo, bo |tAcpAb a v-^0]y A be^c rtj-bliAbAt)

fjCCeAb. 3l^eAb, ACiV ACAC pÍ0|t5|lílt)A b0fA1Cfl0t)A A5

có|Tbeub At) CAO|icAit)i) y^V, 3ac liv A5<x but) A5Uf jac
t)-o|bce A5ÍC biv|t|i ii)A cobÍA. 2l5Uf bo ]t|5ne ]*é fívfAC
boi; cít]ucA ceub fit) ]t)A c]rt7cjoll, A5Uf v] K&lb]|t a rbAyi-
bAb no 50 n)-buA]lceA|i r|ti leufA l^t)AibTb&ile bo lu]fi5-
^eApfAjb ]A]t|tATr)t) acív Afse f^fi) A]|t, A5Uf ]f ArblA^b acív
At) lui|t5-feA|ifA]b fit), A5uf fjb itt)iteAtt)A|i lAfijtAitjt) cjté

Annals, &c. Here either the author lias been very careless, or there is
something wanting in the manuscript, (which, however, the Editor has
not been able to supply from any copy of the tale that he has yet seen),
as we are not informed what it was that caused the Fenians to retreat. It
is evident that this was a charmed stag, sent perhaps by the Tuatha I)e

135

and no tidings are told of them until they reached us at
evening time, and a hind quarter of the stag upon Conan
following Fionn, and Fionn never required eric from Conan
from that time to tliis : and by your hands, children of
Moirne," quoth Diannuid, " we know not whether it was
fairly or by force that Conan made Fionn grant him
peace that day, and methinks that was not more unjust
than to require of you too eric for his father, seeing it
should suffice him that ye were [yet] in your mothers'
wombs when your fathers fell by him, without sending you
to seek the quicken berries of Dubhros or my head, for that
is the warrior's head that Fionn requires of you ; and which
ever of these tilings ye shall take him, yet shall ye not
get peace after all."

'* AYhat berries are those that Fionn requires," asked Grain-
ne, " that they cannot be got for him?" ''They are these,"
said Diarmuid : "the Tuatha De Danann left a quicken tree
in the cantred of Ui Fhiachrach, and in all berries that gTow
upon that tree there are many virtues, that is, there is in
every berry of them the exhilaration of wine and the sa-
tisfying of old mead ; and whoever should eat three
berries of them, had he completed a hundred years he would
return to the age of thirty years. Nevertheless there is a
giant, hideous and foul to behold, keeping that quicken
tree; [he is wont to be] every day at the foot of it, and to
sleep every night at the top. Moreover he has made a de-
sert of that cantred round about him, and he cannot be
slain until tliree terrible strokes be struck upon him of an
iron club that he has, and that club is thus ; it has a thick
ring of iron through its end, and the ring around his [i.e.

Danann ; and we must suppose that he came to bay and routed the Fe-
nians, whose flight was protected by Conan, before whom and Fionn the
stag fled in his turn, and Diarmuid suspects that when Conan found
himself alone with Fionn he made his own terms with him.

13G

Tj-AceAi)r), A5ur AT) ^jó cfié i)-A co|tp- Ko bAfi) ye lOrT>0)t|tO
&0 co!)i)|iAÓ &"Pbloot) A5uf b"PblAi)i)Aib 6]itiot)t) 5At) re^ls
Ai) cfijiiCA ceub ]*]T) bo 6cur)An7, ^S^r ^^> "<^1T^ ^^' bívÓAffA
^A cojU A5Uf ]:a SltuAim aj "pjotjt) bo ^ruAiiAf ceAb r^l^S^

UA^O, ACC 3An bA]!) \X\y t)A CAO|tAlb 50 b|liVC. 215UÍ* A

cIat)1)A 2t)l)ó]|tr)e," Ajt íDiAjtnjuib, " bíoó bA]t TtoJA ASiiibi-e;
corbftAc l]Ort)fA ^ív njo ceAtji:), tjó bul b'|A|t|iAi6 t)a 5-CAOii

Afl At) ACAC. " " i)A|t lu]6e 11)0 CUACA A b-'p]At;T)ll]5eACC, "

Afi cIat)ua 2t)ó]]tT)e, " bo SérjfA con)|XAC ^^ocf a Ajt b-cú]f."
JATi nt) T^o jAbAbAji i)A beAJlAOjc x]r) .]. clAt)t)A 2t)óf|H)e
Ajuj* i)iA]trt)uib, A 5-CAOrbco]tpA itJA 5-culAi6r|b Ajitij
jAif^e Ajuf corbitAic, a^u]* ■]]■ é corb|tAC a|i ajx c]T)r)eAbA]t,
cort)TtAC C]toib-i)eA]tCTf)A|i bo OeurjAii).

21CC CeA1)A, |10 CeAl)5Al <t)]A]trT)U]b ]Ab A]tAOt) A|l AT)

UcAijt rp). " )y iVA]t AT) coTbjtAC bo ítlJT)]!*," Aji 3íií^iwe,

" A5UÍ' ^l* b|T]ACA|l bATPfA bíV TT)-bA6 TJAC ]tACpA6 cIaT)T)A

2t)ó]|tT)e b'TA|i|tAi8 t)a 5-CA0|t ^'it), t)ac lii]5P]T)t)|*e Ab
leAbA^Ó 50 h]\^t TT)ut)A b-piii^iT)t) cu]b bo t)a CAO)iAib y]i),
5]OT) 5U)t ce^]t|tb ttjtjív aí) t)í6 fp) A]t a be^c cofiitAcj A5uf*
AciiTn)fe At)OT|* CAobcjton) coji|xac, Ajuf t)í b]Ab Art) beA-

CA^O TT)U1)A TD-blA]|*|:eAb T)A CAOjtA f^t)."

" Miv cuiftfe b'^jACAib Ofttt) f^c bo bfiifeAÓ Ajt at) SeAfi-
bixt) 1,ocIat)T)ac/' Aji t)|A|in)uib, " A5Uf t)ac rt)ójbe bo lé]5-
feA& ye IfoiT) ]Ab." " S3A0|l|-e t)A cuibfi]5e fo 6]t)T)e," A|t
cIai)i)A 2t)ói|tr)e, " ■A5uf |iACf:AtT)AOib leAc a5U]' beu]t|:An)
]T)r) ^&]T) A|i bo f-ot)." " Nj ciocpAió fjb l|Ort)fA," A|t ^D)-
A|tTT)uib, " ó]|t bív b-pe^cpeAO |*ib U\i) bA|i y(il boi) acac úb

' Literally, when Fionn had me under the wood and under displeasure.

- i.e. By the strength, of their hands alone, witliout weapons.

' 5ioT) 5utt, allhouyh — not. Tliis expression is no longer used in the
spoken language, and requires explanation. It has sometimes a negative
meaning ; as in the text, and before at p. 44, and again in tlie poem
on the genealogy of Diarmuid at the end of the volume, where it is equi-
valent to the present 516 tjAc, so that the above sentence would read 516
t)AC ce'i.-\\y\.f> njijii Ai) t>i6 x\V- Sometimes it is afhrmative, of wliich there
is an instance further on in the story.

137

the giant's] body ; he lias moreover taken as a covenant
from Fionn and from the Fenians of" Erin not to luint that
cantred, and when Fionn outlawed me and became my
enemy,' I got of him leave to hunt, but that I should never
meddle with the hemes. And, children of Moirne,"
quoth Diarmuid, " choose ye between combat with me for
my head, and going to seek the berries from the giant."
" I swear by the rank of my tribe among the Fenians,"
said [each of] the children of Moirne, " that I vnll do battle
with thee first."

Thereupon those good warriors, that is, the children of
Moirne and Diarmuid, harnessed theh* comely bodies in
theu' array of weapons of valour and battle, and tlie com-
bat that they resolved upon was to fight by the strength of
their hands. ^

Howheit Diarmuid bound them both upon tliat spot.
" Thou hast fought that strife well," said Grainne, "and
I vow that [even] if the chilch'en of Moirne go not to seek
those berries, I will never lie in thy bed unless I get a por-
tion of them, although^ that is no fit thing* for a woman
to do being pregnant ; and I indeed am now heavy and
pregnant, and I shall not live if I taste not those berries."

" Force me not to break peace with the Searbhan Loch-
lannach," said Diarmuid, "for he would none the more
readily let me take them." " Loose these bonds from us,"
said the children of Moirne, " and we will go with thee, and
we will give ourselves for thy sake." " Ye shall not come
with me," said Diarmuid, "for were ye to see one glimpse^

« Fit thing. Literally, though it is not the trade of a ■woman, &c.
The word cearrd means a trade, and also an artizan in general, but now
in particular a tinker ; as saor, an «rtificer, more particularly denotes a
mason. The Scotch have introduced the former word into English under
the form caird, i.e. a tinker. Grainne meant that it would be unfit for
her to separate from Diarmuid at tliat time.

* One glimpse. Literally, the fall of your eyes.

138

biió bócAi&e bAfi rtj-bÁf |i)ív bA|i trj-beACA é." " 2t)A|f(?A6,
beiT) 5Ttí^|-A o\i\ni]j)\),'' *|t y]Ab, " ai) cu]b|te<xc bo bosAÓ
o|aftu|i)t), A5ur i*]!)!) fee léjsiot} leAc a 1^^A]5neA|• 50
b-pe]Cp]míf ^O COlt?|tAC |tif aij acac ful bAlDp^t tJA ciijtj
bívjt n^eióe :" A5uf bo |t]5t)e í)]Aítn)ui& atí^IaiÓ x]r).

2lpt) I'll) -[to sluAif í)]A|tn)uib |iO|ibe b'|Ot)T)fA]5i6 aij
c-SeAjibivii) 1,ocIat)1)ai5, A5U|* cíc|iIa ai) c-acac jtja cobU
Itojnje. "Cus bufUe bív cojf At)t) 5u|i CÓ5 ai) c-acac a
ceAiji), A5U|* b'^euc yu^y a|i í)blA|in}U]b, A5uf tt* é |to
fiívib; "At) fjc bo b'^v^ll fi]Oc bo b|t]feAb, a n}]c XX] í)biM^-
ve ?" " Mí b-eAb," Aji C)iAjtrr>u]b, " acc 5ti^1W6 1t>510t)
CbonTt)U]C Acív cAobcitott) co|t|;AC, A5U|* bo ^Iac xí n)|AT)
bO 1)A CAOHAlb fO A5Ab^A, A5m* ]f b'lA|t]tAlb lix^t) buijiij bo
T)A CAO]tAib nt) OjtcfA cai^SA^-f A." '*í)o bei^iin^fe njo h^]-

ACAjl," A]t Al) C-ACAC, " bíV ttJ-bAÓ 1)AC TT)-blA6 bO clo^tjl)
A5AbfA ACC AT) ^e]\) f(t) 11)A b|lU]l)l), ASm* t)AC n)-b]Ab A]t

fliocc Cbo|in)H]C rbic 2l]|tc acc 5p^1W0, Asiif a be^tbii)

A5An)|*A 50 flACpAb A1) CO]|t|tCeAf Cfte CAob 3bíl^lí)I)e AIT)AC,

i)AC n)-blA]í*í:eA6 ]•] aoi) caoji bo t)A CAOjiAib fo 50 b|tívc."
" Mí cóiji bATt)f A |:eAll bo bem)Ari) oixc," A^t <t)|A|in)uib,
"ói|t 11* bíx t)-iA|iitA]6 Ajt Aif 1)6 A|i é]5eAT) cíM)A5fA bot)
CO|l t*o."

21 ]l t)-A Clof |*lt) bOl) ACAC, no él|tl5 11)A feAfAlÍ) AJUf

^to cui]t A lu]|i5-^eA]t|*Ab A|t A 5uaIati)1), A5ur |tO buAjl
ZTHÍ lívii)leu]*A iDÓftA A|i «DblATtrtjuib, 50 T)-beív|tfti)A fé
bío5bívil beiiteoil A|t ]*5íxc a fséice be. ^suj- ai) uA||i
T)AC b-peACA]b í)]A]tn)uib At) c-ACAC A5ÍV feAct)Ab |io léi5

A Al|tfT) A|X l^jt, A5Uf CU5 f]C |-At)t)CAC l-iVltU^bUl A|l At)
ACAC, 30 TtíXlt)15 Ut) A bíV líVtb bOt) lu]]t5-pCA|t|-Alb CU150.
2ll)T) fjl) |tO CÓ5 At) C-ACAC Ó CaIatÍ) A5U|* |tO Clll|V lt)A t]n)-

' Literally, when Diarmuid did not see the giant minding himself.
The Irish often transpose the negative, even in speaking English, as,
"When he did not tell me to go," meaning, since he told me not to go.
The ugc of the negative with hejttfiv (I say) corresponds exactly to the
Greek usage of ev and ^«j««

139

of the giaut, ye would more likely die than live after it."
" Then do us the grace," said they, " to slacken the bonds
on us, and to let us [go] with thee privately that we may
see thy battle with the giant before thou hew the heads
from our bodies ;" and Diarmuid did so.

Tlien Diarmuid went his ways to the Searbhan Lochlan-
nach, and the giant chanced to be asleep before him. He
dealt him a stroke of his foot, so that the giant raised his
head and gazed up at Diarmuid, and what he said Avas, " Is
it that thou wouldst fain break peace, son of O'Duibhne?"
"It is not that," said Diarmuid, "but that Grainne the
daughter of Cormac is heavy and pregnant, and she has
conceived a desire for those berries which thou hast, and
it is to ask the full of a fist of those hemes from thee that
I am now come." " I swear," quoth the giant, " were it
[even] that thou shouldst have no children but that birth
[now] in her womb, and were there but Grainne of the
race of Cormac the son of Art, and were I sure that she
should perish in bearing that child, that she should never
taste one berry of those berries." " I may not do thee
treachery," said Diarmuid, " therefore [I now tell thee] it
is to seek them by fail* means or foul that I am come."

The giant, having heard that, rose up and stood, and put
his club over his shoulder, and dealt Diannuid three mighty
strokes, so tliat he wrouglit him some little hurt in spite
of the shelter of his shield. And when Diarmuid marked
the giant off his guard' he cast his weapons upon the
ground, and made an eager exceeding strong spring upon
the giant, so that he was able with his two hands to grasp
the club. Then he hove the giant from the earth and
hurled him round him, and the iron ring that was about
the giant's head^ and through the end of the club stretched,

* This may be a manuscript error, as the giant was before said to have
his club fastened round his body.

140

c|oll iy, <\5ur fto f']t) k\\) pjb ]A|i|uv|i)t; fio biv pC\ ceAix; au
ACA15 ■^3"r ^íi^ ceAi;t) i)<v lunt5-pcAiirA]be, A5UI* at) uAift
piv T^ivit)i5 At) lo|i5 é bo buAjl cfti leufA larjAjorpeile A|t At)
ACAc; 3U|i cuijt A ii)cit)t) cjté Tt)r)]rc|i]b a C]T)t) A5Uf a

cluAf ArT)AC, 3U|t fril5 TDAjtb 5At) At)ATD é ; A5Hf |to b^bAti

AT) t)|Af f]ij bo clAt)T)A]b 2t)})ói]iT)e A5 ^e\i]oiv ^y)]^]^rnuh^

A5 beur)ATT) AT) COrT)lAlT)T) ^]T).

2I1) CAT) Ab COT)CAbA|t AT) C-ACAC A5 ClllC]TT), ríVT)5AbA|t

fé'lT) bo UcA]|t, A5UJ* bo yu]6 í)|A|tTDu]b 50 fuAióce TT)A|tb
be]]* AT) coTÍ)ftAic f ]T), A5Uf A bubAi|tc le clAT)T)A]b 2t)bóitiT)e

AT) C-ACAC b'A6t)ACA6 ^'ÍV f5UAbAlb T)A CO|lle Afl TT)06 T)AC

b-pA^cpeAO 'S]^'^]VV^ é. " ^'5^^V ]^]^ VVy cé]6i6 ba })-iA|i|tAió

fé]T) A5Uf CAb|lAl6 l]b i-" <t)0 CA]t|lAlT)5eAbA|l clAT)t)A
2t)Ó(flT)e AT) C-ACAC leo ^AT) b-pjOÓbA Art)AC, A5li|* ]10 CU]|t-

eAbAjt p^T) caIatt) é, A^uf |to cuAObAji A ^-ceAi)\) 'S})\i!x\x)i)e
50 b-cu5AbA|i 50 «DiAittDuib ']. " 2I5 x]\), A 5brti^lt)i)e/' A|t

i)[A|lTT)Ulb, " I)A CAOflA bO b] A5Ab biV T)-]A|X]tAl8, A5U|'
bA^T) ^6]T) bo 6iol Ojob." " Jf bfl|ACA|l bATT)|*A," A|t

3Ti^1i?t>e, " i)AC n)-blAifpeAbfA aotj cAOft b^ob acc at) cao|i
bo bAir)pi6 bo Urt)f*A. A 't)l)]A|UT)uib." Ko é|]i]5 ^DiA]iTT)U|b
li)A feA|*Ait) Ai]i XV), ■*^5i*r po bAjT) T)A CAOftA bo 3b|tí^1UUe
A5U]* bo clAT)i)Aib 21)1)01111)6, 5U|i iceAbAji bjol A fivj*u]5ce
biob.

21t) UAl|l bA f'<\CAC lAb ]10 lAbA]]t «DlAltTDUlb, A5U|' A

bubAiTtc : "a clAt)i)A 9\)\)ó\\\.r)e" aji fé, " be^itjo at» rf)é]b
^eubpAíó ]tib bo t)a CAOitA]b |-o, a5u|- Ab^iAiO le Piotjt) juji
fib pé]T) bo TT)A]tb AT) SeAiibar) LoclAT)t)AC." " i)o bei}in)ib

iVfl rt)-b|l|ACA]t/' A|l flAb, " t)AC beA5 l]t)T) a TT)-beu]tATT)

50 "piOT)!) biob;' ASH]* |io bA]i) <DiAftn)iiib uaIac bo i)A
CAO]tAib 8óib. 2lt)i) x\\) cu3AbA|i clAt)t)A 2t)ói|it)e bu|&eAcur

1 TI1Í8 is a notable instance of redundancy of language, sometimes
introduced into English by the Irish, viz. killed dead. Similar is the
expression hAll hjcfiAÓAttc, blind without sight, Four Masters, A.l). 1541.

' We grudye. Literiilly, We think it not little ; tlie converse of which

14]

and when the club reached him [Dianuuidj he struck tliree
mighty strokes upon the giant, so that he dashed his brains
out through the openings of his head and of his ears, and
left him dead without life ;' and those two of the Clanna
Moii'ne were looking at Diarmuid as he fought that strife.

When they saw the giant fall they too came forth, and
Diarmuid sat him down weary and spent after that combat,
and bade the children of Moirne bury the giant under the
brushwood of the forest, so that Grainne might not see
him, " and after that go ye to seek her also, and bring
her." The children of Moirne di-ew the giant forth into
the wood, and put him underground, and went for Grainne
and brought her to Diarmuid. "There, Graimie," said
Diarmuid, " are the berries thou didst ask for, and do thou
thyself pluck of them whatever pleases thee." " I swear,"
said Grainne, " that I will not taste a single beriy of them
but the berry that thy hand shall pluck, Diarmuid."
Thereupon Diarmuid rose and stood, and plucked the ber-
ries for Grainne and for the children of Moirixe, so that
they ate their fill of them.

When they were filled Diarmuid spoke, and said : "
children of Moirne, take as many as ye can of these ber-
ries, and tell Fionn that it w^as ye yourselves that slew the
Searbhan Loclilannach." " We swear," quoth they, "that
we grudge^ what we shall take to Fionn of them ;" and
Diarmuid plucked them a load of the berries. Then the

is, 1)1 n)ón Mop, we think it not much, i.e. we do not grudge, meaning
emphatically that the action expressed by the conjoined verb is done
easily, cheerfully, willingly, &c. as v] ti)Ó|\ \]()\) a ftxxó, a 6eui)ATÍj, it^.
Instead of these negative expressions might be used the positive ones,
ir n)ótt Ijon), I think it much, I grudge; ]X beA5 liott), I think it little,
I grudge not; but these would not be as idiomatic or as strong. The
Irish are extremely fond of thus using the negative for emphasis; as in
the many similar phrases to "that will do you no harm," meaning,
that will do you great good.

142

A5uf aIcujaó |te 4)|A|ut)u|b cAft é)[* i)a b-cío6lAiceAÓ bo
puAyt<\bA|t Uv\|ó, A5Uf po jluAji^eAbAp jton^pA n)A|i a T^Aib

FlOt)t> AJUI* 'p]Al)t)A éi1tl]0I)t). í)0 CUA16 t)(A|in)Ulb A5Uf

3Tti^li)T)e iortjoft|to 30 biv]i|i AT) CAOTicA]t)p, Asu^* bo lu]5eA-

bA|l A leAbAlÓ At) C-SeA|lbill1J LoclAT)t)A]5, A^Uf l)i jtA^b
ACC CAO|lA fCAjtbA Aljtjf 1)A CAOjlAlb fjoi* b'^euCAIT) 1)^
5-CAOp t>0 h] fuAf A1|t AT) 5-C|tAT)t}.

i)0 |tiVt)5AbAll cIaT)T)A 2t)Ó]|lt)e 50 J^]01)V, A^Uf fto ^Ap-

|tu]5 'piotít) fjeulA Ojob 5 iú]X 50 be]|teA6. " Ko TT)A]ibA-

t1)A|t AT) SeA^tbiVT) LocIaTJOAC," A|l H^^' " ^5"r CUJArrjAjl
CAOtlA CAOflCATnt) <t)ub]101f CU^AbfA A r)-é]]t]C c'ACAjt, Tt;iv
civ fie A5U]1)1) biV 5-C10T)l)." DuSAbAlt t)A CAOJIA At) CAT)
nn A liV]Tb 'Fbll)'?, A5Uf |10 A1CT)15 fé T)A CAOjtA, A5Uf |t0

cu]|t p3t Tj-Afiioit) TAb, 50 T)-bubA]|ic |te clAt)T)A]b 2t)bói|it)e,
" bo be]|t)tT) n)o bft^ACAjt," A|i piotjj}, " juji Ab é t)jA|t-
Tt}U]b O i)u]br)e bo bAjT) t)A CAO|tA yo, ójit A|cr)]3]rT) boÍAÓ
ci)]!* n)]c Xl] i)biilbi)e 0)t|tCA; A5uf ]]• be]n)]r) \]orn ^ujt Ab

é bo TTJAjtb At) SeAjlbiXI) l,OclAt)t)AC, AJUf ItACpAbfA bO f jOf
At) I1)A]IteA1)T) fé A3 At) 3-CA0]1CAt)t). ^l^^AO, t)] fé]|t|lbe

Óíbfe T)A CAOfiA bo cAbAi]tc cu3ATt)f A, A5uf t)i b-pui3]ó f^b
10T)Ab bA]t i)-Aic|ieAC A b-'piAT)t)U|3eAcc 30 b-cti3Ai8 y]h

é]|l|C bATt)f A Aft) ArAlJl."

JA]t fit) |10 CU^jt Z]0X)6l A3Uf CI0IT)fU3A6 A|t feACC 3-CA-
CA^b t)A 3^^1Cfélt)t)e A]t AOt) UcA^lt, A3Uf |t0 5luA)f |lO|Tt)e

30 Tiivit)i3 *Dubftof O b-pjAciiAc ; A3uf bo leAt) loft3 t)l)i-

A|ltt)UbA 30 but) At) CA0|tCA]t)1), A3Uf fUA]|t T)A CAOftA 3At)

cóitT)eub opitcA, 3u|i iceAbA|i a t)-bó|cit) bjob. t)o 11113 At)
ceAfbAC Tt)óft opiicA At) CAt) fji), A3uf A bubA]jtc 'p|oi)t) 30

t)-At)f a6 A3 but) AT) CA0flCA1t)t) 30 t)-irt)CC0CA6 At) COAfbAC

fit); " ói|t ACÍV A fiof A3AtD 30 b-fu]l 'DiAjttDiiib A n)-biv|t|t

At) CA0]lCA11)t)." " )f TT)ÓIl Al) C0lt)A|lCA eubA 6u]Cfe, A

T-blW, A fT)eAf 30 b-f At)f a8 't)iA|trt)uib a tD-biv|t|i At) CAO|i-
' i.e. Envy and anger have caused 70U to judge foolishly in supposing

14:5

childi'eii of Moirne spoke their gratitude and tlmnks to ])i-
armuid after the boons they had received from him, and
went their ways where Fionn and the Fenians of Erin were.
Now Diarnmid and Grainne went into the top of the quick-
en tree, and laid them in the bed of the Searbhan Loch-
lannach, and the berries below were but bitter berries
compared to the berries that were above upon the tree.

The children of Moirne reached Fionn, and Fionn asked
their tidings of them from first to last. " We have slain
the Searbhan Lochlannach," quoth they, " and have brought
the berries of Dubhros in eric of thy father, if perchance
we may get peace for them." Then they gave the berries
into the hand of Fionn, and he knew the berries, and put
them under his nose, and said to the children of Moirne,
" I swear," quoth Fionn, " that it was Diarmuid O'Duiblme
that gathered these berries, for I know the smell of the son
of O'Duibhne's skin on them, and full sure I am that he
it was that slew the Searbhan Lochlannach ; and I will go
to learn whether he is alive at the quicken tree. Howbeit,
it shall profit you nothing to have brought the berries to
me, and ye shall not get your fathers' place among the Fe-
nians until ye give me eric for my father."

After that he caused the seven battalions of the standing
Fenians to assemble to one place, and he went his ways to
Dubliros of Ui Fhiachrach ; and followed Diarmuid's track
to the foot of the quicken tree, and found the berries with-
out any watch upon them, so that they [all] ate their fill
of them. The great heat [i.e. the heat of the noon day]
then overtook them, and Fionn said that he would stay at
the foot of the quicken till that heat should be past ; " for
I know that Diarmuid is in the top of the quicken." "It
is a great sign of envy' in thee, Fionn, to suppose that

that Diarmuid would be in sucli a place.

144
tA|i)t), A5U|- A }:\oy Ai5e ciifA be|c A|t z] a it)<\(ibcA,'" A|t

21 t)-biAi5 AT) corT)ftivi6 fp} bo óeut)Ari) óóib, |io lAjiii
■pjorjo piccioll &ÍV b-Ti^lT^c; Asuf a bubAi]ic ]te b-Oirji),
"bo ]rt)eo|iu]T)T) ^ie^i) clujcce Icacj-a u||ifie ]*o," a|i |*6.
Sui5]b A|t5AC cAobbon friccjll .]. 0]f]v, A5ur Or5A|x. asuj-
njAC Lu]56eAc, A5u|'<t)io|iituTU5 tt^AC í)obAi|i U] BI)Aoi|'5T>e
bo CAob, A3Uf pioijT) boi) CAob o]le.

3]6 c|tA Acc, |to biibAjt A5 irt)i]tc T)A ^icciUe 50 piVCAC
piytslic, A3uf ]io cii]it 7^101)1) Ai) clujcce A]t Oifju a 5-cAOi
t)AC itA^b bo beijtc t)0 acc aot) beAjtc Arbik.ir), A^uf if 6 |to
]tiv.i6 y]or)r) ; " 9lc'A aot) beAjic A5 b]te]c At? clujCce 6ii]c,
A Oi|*ÍT) ; A5uf bjoÓ A f-liVTj f a. A b-pu^l Ab frocA]|t Ai) beA|ic
fit) bo cAbAijac buic." 2loi) nt) a bubA]]tc t)iA]in)uib a
5-clof '^\)\iiK]vvQ, " jr c|iuA5 l]on) Ai) civf be]|tce no 0]tc,
A Oifit), A5uf 5AI) TT)é pe]!) A5 cAbAijac ceA3A]f5 t)a be]]tce
fp) buic." "jf njeAfA Óujc cu f&li)," a|i 5|»^l';uc. "bo
be]C A leAbAjO ad c-SeA]tbiV]t) l.oclAr)r)Ai5 a iT)-b;\|t|i at)
cao|xcait)í;, A5Uf feACC 5-CACA i)a oi)<vicf fei^ue Ab c|n)cioll
A|t q bo TbA]tbcA, ]\)l\ 3AT) At) beAjic fit) A3 Oifiu ' JA]t

f|T) }\0 bA]l) t)lA|trt)U]b CAOfl bo t)A CAOIXA^b, A3Uf b'AirDfl5

At) feAjt bu& cói|t bo tó^hix]l ; A3uf 110 CÓ3 Oifii) At) feAjt
fp), A3uf |io cui|i At) cluicce Aji pbioi)!) f AI) itjocb 3-ceub-
t)A. Njoit b-f AbA 30 iiA^b At) clujcce f At) 3-c|tuic 3-ceubf)A

Al) bA|tA b-UApt, A3llf AI) UAl|l bO COI)t)AlJtC í)]AItlT)Ulb f|t)

' Chess was the favorite game of tlie Irisli in tlic most ancient times
of which we have any account, as appears from the constant mention of
it in almost all romantic tales. Chess-boards very commonly formed
part of the gifts given as stipends by the provincial kings to their sub-
ordinate chieltains, e.g. " Tiie stipends of the king of Caiseal [Casliel]
to the kings [chiefs] of his territories : — A seat by his side in the first
place, and ten steeds and ten dresses and two rings and two chess-boards
to tlie king of Dal Chais ; and to go with him in the van to an external
country, and follow in the rear of all on his return. Ten steeds and ten
drinking-horns and ten swords and ten shields and ten scings [part of
tlie trai)pings of a horse], and two rings and two chess-boards to the

us

Diarmuid would abide in the tc^p of the quioken and he
knowing that tliou art intent on slaying him," said Oisin.

After they had made this speech Fionn asked for a chess-
board to play, and he said to Oisin, " I would play a game
with thee upon this [chess-board]." They sit down at either
side of the board ; namely, Oisin, and Oscar, and the son of
Lughaidh, and Diorruing the son of Dobhar O'Baoisgne on
one side, and Fionn upon the other side.

Howbeit they were playing that [game of] chess^ with
skill and exceeding cunning, and Fionn so played the game
against Oisin that he had but one move alone [to make],
and what Fionn said was : " One move there is to win
thee the game, Oisin, and I dare all that are by thee to
shew thee that move." Then said Diarmuid in the hearing
of Grainne : " I grieve that thou art thus in a strait about
a move, Oisin, and that I am not there to teach thee
that move." " It is worse for thee that thou art thyself,"
said Grainne, " in the bed of the Searbhan Lochlannach,
in the top of the quicken, with the seven battalions of the
standing Fenians round about thee intent upon thy de-
struction, than that Oisin should lack that move." Then
Diarmuid plucked one of the berries, and aimed at the man
that should be moved ; and Oisin moved that man and turn-
ed the game against Fionn in like manner. It was not long
before the game was in the same state the second time, [i.e.
they began to play again, and Oisin was again worsted],
and when Diarmuid beheld that, he struck the second berry

king of Gabhran." See Leabhar na g-Ceart [Book of Rights] p. 69. A
chesa-nian was caXlea fear Jithchille, as in the text ; and the set of men,
foirnefilhchille, the tribe or family of the chess-board. Cormac, in his
glossary, assigns a mystical signification to the spots of the board, and
derives its name, i.e. Jithcheall, from fatk, skill, wisdom ; and ciall, sense ;
but this is probably fanciful. For much information and some curious ex-
tracts about the chess of the ancient Irish, as well as engravings of their
chess-men as discovered in modern days, vide Dr. 0"Donovan's intro-
duction to Leabhar na g-Ceart.

10

UG

|io buAjl Ai) bA|iA CAOfi A|i AT) b -freAii bu6 coin ^^ có5b;\il,
A'piy |to CÓ5 Oifio At) ^eA^t t*li) 3U|i cui|i At) cluicce ceubt)A

A|t "pblOt)!?. Ko CU1|l "PtODT) Al) clu]CCe At) C|ieA]* UAin A]t
Olfit), A3U]* |tO buA^l i)]A|irt)Ulb At) C|teAf CAO|t Ajt At)

b-^reATt bo beu|if Ab At) clu^rce b'Oint). A5Uf bo cÓ5bAbAit
At) 'pbl<'^W 3ivi|t rbóit í:ívi) 5-cluicce y^x). <Do UbAiit plot)t),
A5U|* It* 6 A bubAtJic : " Ni b-10t)5t)A IjotT) At) clu]cce bo
b|teic Óiqc, A OifiD," A|i ]*é, " A5Uf a Óíccioll A5 OfSAii
bi\ 6eut)Att) 6u]c, A5Uf bucftACX 't)])]0-\\\i^]t)3, A-^uy ^iv]c-
beA]tc tT)ic l.ui56eAC, A5U]- ceASAt^s tt)]c U] í)buibT)e A5Ab."
" )X -fto Tb6]t At) c-eub bu]cfe, a "pblW." <^Ti Of5A|t, " a
cui5|*|t) 50 b-t:At)t:Ab i)iA|itt)uib O 't)utbt)e a rt)-bit|t|i At)

C|t0IT)t) p, ASUI* CUfA y'A t)-A C0TT)<V1tl." " C]A A3U]t)T)e A5

A b-^iiiil At) f:i|t]t)T)e, A tbjc Ui i)buibf)e," Ait 'piot)t), " rv]X^
1)6 OfS^lt ?" " Mio]t cAiUiffe c'A]ct)e tt)Air tiiAtb, a fh]VV,"
A|i i)iAjtrt)utb, " A-^uy AZ'A]n)ye a5U|* ^T^^IW^ Ar)i) fo,
A leAbA^S At) c-SeA|ibix]t) l,oclAt)t)iii3." 2lt)t) fit) bo nu5
«DlAitrnuib A]t 3bT^^li)r)e> ''^3"r C113 cjii PÓ3A 61 of cofbAiji
Pb|')t) A3uf t)A 'péii)t)e. " )f tt)eAfA \-\on) feAcc 3-cACA
T)A 3T)^lcféit)t)e A3Uf flit 6iiiiot)r) bf AifT)éif oitc At) oibce
|iu3Aif 5T^^T)')e nioc Ó 'CbeAtbitAis, A3uf 51111 cu felt) bA
feAit cóitbeubcA 8att) at) oibce fp) féit). it)ív a b-f uil At)t)
fo b'fAift)éif oiir; A3Uf bo b(^uitfAiit bo ceAi)t) A|i fot)

t)A b-pó5 flD," Alt "PlODt).

JA|t f|t) |to éiTii3 p|Oi)t) A3uf t)A ceicfe ceub AtbAf bo
b'l Ai3e Alt cuiUiOTt) A5uf Ait cuAitAfbAl, fii con}A]]t i)bl-
Aitn)ubA bo TbAjtbAb ; A3uf ito cunt 'piot)t) a lAma a Utt)Aib

A C^|le Clt1)C10ll At) CA01lCAlt)t) fH), A3Uf b'fUA3Allt bóib

A b-p&it)t) A 3-ceAt)t) A3uf A 5-cóirbeubcA beACAb 3At) í)i-
Aitrt)uib bo 1^13101) cixitf a aidac. Ro 3eAll bóib rrjAiUe, 31b
be bullae b''pblAt)t)Aib 6iitioi)i) bo itACfAb fUAf A3uf bo
beunf AÓ ceAt)T) í)blAittt)ubA Uj i)buibt)e cui3e, 50 b-cpb-

ItAb A Allttt) A5Uf A &lbeAb bo, A5Uf lOtJAb A ACA|t A3Uf A

147

upon the man that sliould be moved ; and Oitjiu moved that
man and turned the game against Fionn in like manner.
Fionn was carrying the game against Oisin the third time,
and Diarnmid struck the tliird berry upon the man that
would give Oisin the game, and the Fenians raised a mighty
shout at that game. Fionn spoke, and what he said was :
" I marvel not at thy winning that game, Oisin, seeing
that Oscar is doing his best for thee, and that thou hast
[with thee] the zeal of Diorruing, and the skilled know-
ledge of the son of Lughaidh, and the prompting of the
son of O'Duibhne." " It is [i.e. shews] great envy in thee,

Fionn," quoth Oscar, "to think that Diarmuid O'Duibhne
would stay in the top of this tree with thee in wait for him."
"With which of us is the truth, son of O'Duibhne,"
said Fionn, " with me or with Oscar ?" " Thou didst never
err in thy good judgment, Fionn," said Diarmuid, " and

1 indeed and Grainne are here in the bed of the Searbhan
Lochlannach." Then Diarmuid caught Grainne, and gave
her tliree kisses in presence of Fionn and the Fenians.
" It grieves me more that the seven battalions of the stand-
ing Fenians and [all] the men of Erin should have wit-
nessed thee the night thou didst take Grainne from Team-
hair, seeing that thou wast my guard that night, than that
these that are here should witness thee ; and thou shalt give
thy head for those kisses," said Fionn.

Thereupon Fionn arose with the four hundred hirelings
that he had on wages and on stipend, with intent to kill Diar-
muid ; and Fionn put their hands into «ach others' hands
round about that quicken, and warned them on pain [of
losing] their heads, and as they would preserve their life, not
to let Diarmuid pass out by them. Moreover, he promised
them that to whatever man of the Fenians of Erin should go
up and bring him the head of Diarmuid O'Duibhne, he would
give his arms and his armour, with his father's and his grand-

148

f-eAtj-ACAji A b-'piAt)ijui5eACc f AOtt bo. «Do pfteA5Ai|i '^c.]ih
fle^be CuA, Asuf !]• é |xo tiiv^O, 5uit Ab é ACAifi í)blA|i-
Ti)u&A Ui <Dbii]bt)e, i)oijij O i)ot)T)cbu6A, |to njAjtb a acai|x
pe^t), A5Uf biv rbicjij X]t) bo jtAcpAÓ bív 6Í05AI A]t «Dbl^ti-
njuib, A3u|* |to 5luA]f iio^rbe ]*uAf. t)o ^ojUnseAÓ c|iA
b'2lor)5Uf AT) b|t05A At) c-éi5]0i) ]1)a jiAib 4DiA|itr)uib, A5uf
C15 bii^-u]trACb 5At) n^'l* 5<^'> Aiitiu5A6 bot) pb^iw; A5u|-
roA]t |iivir)]5 3^T^t> f-le^be Cua fuA]* a n7-b^it|t at) cAOftcAiijt)
CU5 i)]A|vn)uib bu^lle bix co]f at)T), A-^uy |to ca^c no|* a
TTjeAfs t)A "péiijtje é, lo^uj- 5utt bAit)iobA|t ArbAif fh]VV
At) ceAt)t) be, óTji bo cu]|i 2loi)5uf beAlb í)biA|trT)ubA a]|i.
<t) eif A r^AjtbcA civ]t)i3 a c^tuc }:é]r) Ai]t, a5U]* ]to aict)i5

7^]0t)T) A5UI* pIAt^pA 6l|t10t)T) 6, 50 t)-i)ub|lAbATt SUjl Ab &

3A]tb bo ru]c Ai)T).

2li)t; |*]t) A bubA]]tc ^^J^T^b f-l&ibe C|toc 50 jtAcpAÓ bo 6Í05AI
A ArA]x ^íéio Aji ri^AC Ui i)buibr)e, a5u|* fio sIuaji* f ua|*
A5uf CU5 2lot)5u]* buille ba coif •<'^i?^) 5i*T^ ^^1^ VÍ^V ^ "i^Afs
i)A 'p&]t)T)e é, A5u|* beAlb <Db]A|iti)iibA Aiji, 5U|t bAii)iobA]t
TT)uii)q|i pbliJT) AU ceAt)t) iJe. 21511]* a bubA^ic "pioijt) i)<vc

6 i)]Ajirt)Ulb |tO biV At)t> ACC OA]tb, A5Uf b'f|Af|XU]5 At)

c|teA]* uA]|i qA |iACpA6 fUAf. 21 bubAjftc 5*^1''^ fléibe
3uA]íte 50 ItACpAÓ féit) At)t). ^Suf SUjl Ab é IDot)!) O <t)oi)t)-
cbuÓA |to n)A]\h A ACAiji, A^itf bív n)]i]v 50 ^tAcpAO biv

' Sliabh Cua. In ancient times this name was applied to the moun-
tain now known as Cnoc Maoldomhnaigh, Anglice Knockmeledown, on
the borders of the counties of Tipperary and Waterford. The name is
now pronounced Sliabh g-Cua, and belongs to a mountainous district
between Dungarvan and Clonmel.

2 Sliabh Crot. Now called Sliabh g-Crot, and in English Mount
Grud, in the barony of Clanwilliam, county of Tipperary. There was
a battle fought here in the year 1058 between Diarmuid Mac Mael-na-
nibo, and Donnchadh the son of Brian.

3 Sliabli Guaire. Now called in English Slieve Gorey, a mountainous
disttict in the present barony of Clankee, county of Cavan, part of tlie
territory anciently called Gaileanga, as belonging to the race of Cormac

149

fíitlier's place [rank] aTiioug' the Fenians freely. Garbli of
Sliabh Cua^ answered, and what lie said was, that it was
Diarmuid O'Diiibhne's father, Donn O'Donnchndha, that
had slain Ms father ; and to requite that he would go to
avenge him upon Diarmuid, and he went his way up. Now
it was shewn to Aonghus an bhrogha what a strait Diar-
muid was in, and he came to succour him without know-
ledge or perception of the Fenians ; and when Garbh of
Sliabh Cua had got up into the top of the quicken, Diar-
muid gave him a stroke of his foot and flung him down
into the midst of the Fenians, so that Fionn's hirelings
took off his head, for Aonghus had put the form of Diar-
muid upon him. After he was slain liis own shape came
upon him [again], and Fionn and the Fenians of Erin knew
him, so that they said that it was Garbh that was fallen.

Then said Garbh of Sliabh Crot^ that he would go to
avenge his father also upon the son of O'Duibhne, and he
went up, and Aonghus gave him a stroke of his foot, so
that he flung him down in the midst of the Fenians with
the form of Diarmuid upon him, and Fionn's people took
off his head ; and Fionn said that that was not Diannuid
but Garbh, [for he took his own form again]. Garbh of
Sliabh Guaire^ said that he too would go, and that it was
Donn O'Doimchudha that had slain his father, and that
therefore he would go to avenge him upon the son of

Gaileang, grandson of Cian, son of Oilioll Oluim, who is mentioned in
this tale. The Four Masters have this curious entry under A.D. 1054.
" Loch Suidhe-Odhrain in Sliabh Guaire migrated in the end of the night
of the festival of Michael, and went into the Feabhaill, which was a
great wonder to all." Loch Suidhe-Odhrain [Lough Syoran] is a town-
land in Clankee where there is no lough now.

Other copies of our tale for Sliabh Guaire read Sliabh Claire, which
is a large hill near Galbally in the county of Limerick, on which is a
cromleac, the tomb of Oilioll Oluim.

150

Ai) cAO|tc<vii?r>. "Cus i)|A|tn)ui& bujlle bA coif -^'^'^ 3"T*
cu]|t fiof é, A5Uf ito cui|i 2lor)3uf beAÍb <t)blA|trDubA Ai|t,
1opT)Uf 3U|t n)A|tbAbA|i at) "pblAW é. 2lcc ceATjA, bo n)A]\-
bAÓ T)Aoi ij^Alltb t)A 'péitjtJe A|t Ai) Tno6 fit) A n)-b|xé]5-
|tiocb |te TDUji^qit fh]V^h

jonjcufA 'pbli?')» cA|i é^f ijAO] i)3A]tb t)A 'péiijTje bo
tu]t]rt), Ti)A|t A b] 3A]tb flé^be Cua, aju]* ^Ajtb fléjbe
C|toc, A3ur3A|tbfl&ibe 5"A7|te, A5Uf 3Atib f léjbe 2l)u]ce,
A5uf 3A]tb Sbl&lbe rn6}]x, A'^uy "S^-ph flé^be tu3A, A3Uf
^Aftb 2lcA ^]iAO]c, A3UJ* 3A|ib fléibe 2t)]f, A3uf ^Ajtb
"DbfOttjA tbói|t, bo bi Vax) bo 6o3|iA]OT A5u|* bo 6|ioic-ti)eAT)-
TtjAir) A3U|- bo 6ob|iór).

2lcc ceAT)A, A bubAijtc 2lot)3Uf 50 n}-beu|if a6 fé ^é]tj
3Ttí^1t)l>e itif. " Bei|i," A]t OjAjtiijuib, " A3uf njiv birn|*e
Art} beACA^S \x]xt) c|tACT)ót)A leAijf Ab f^b ; A3uf n)!x Tt)A]tbAi6
Plow Tt)é, 3]6 b& cIai}i) bo bjAÓ A3 ^'\}'^]r)V&> Ojl A3uf
leAfui3 30 n)A]i lAb, A3u|* 3^^T)t)e bo cu|i curt} a b'ACAfi
■\:é]r) 30 'CeAn)|tAi5." Ko t]on)^]V 2loTJ5Uf ceAb A3Uf ce^l-
lobftAÓ A5 í)]A]tn)iiib^ A5Uf bo buA^l a b|tAc b|iA0i6eACCA
ciTi)cioll 3bTi^1T)i)e A3U|* it)A qrtjcioU péit), A3Uf b'ln^cjs-
eAbA|t A TDuit)i5iT) At) bjtuic 3AI) fiof 3a:) ai|iiu3a6 bop
"pbéiT)!), A3uf i)i b-AicfiifceAjt f3eulu]5eAcc o]t]icA 30 |ioc-

bA]T) At) b|X03A Ó|* BojTJt) bo^b.

2li)r) fjt) bo lAbAi|i i)iA|%tt)U]b O t)uibr)e, A3uf if é jio

' These names are most probably fictions of tlie writer. The Irish ro-
mancers very commonly introduced long lists of names, (vide Battle of
Magh Rath, pp. 288, 289, where there is a much more lengthened list of
slain chiefs.)

« Now called Sliabh na muice, (i.e. the pig's mountain, probably from
its shape), and in English Slievenamuck, a long low mountain near the
glen of Aherlagh, county of Tipperary.

' Probably by error of transcribers for Sliabh Modhairn, the old
name of a mountainous tract in the county of Monaghan ; or for Sliabh
Mughdhorna, the Mournc mountains, in the county of Down. The lat-

151

O'Duibline, and lie j»-ot liiin up into the top of the quicken.
Dianuuid gave him a stroke of his foot so that he flung
him down, and Aonghus put the form of Diarmuid upon
him, 80 that the Fenians slew him. Now the nine
Garbhs of the Fenians were thus slain under a false ap-
pearance by the people of Fionn.

As for Fionn, after the fall of the nine Garbhs^ of the
Fenians, namely, Garbh of Sliabh Cua, and Garbh of
Sliabh Grot, and Garbh of Sliabh Guaire, and Garbh of
Sliabh muice,^ and Garbh of Sliabh mor,' and Garbh of
Sliabh Lugha,* and Garbli of iVth fraoich,* and Garbh of
Sliabh Mis,^ and Garbh of Drom mor,7 he was full of an-
guish and of faint-heartedness and of grief.

Howbeit Aonghus said that he would take Grainne with
him. ** Take her," said Diannuid, " and if I be alive at
evening I will follow you ; and if Fionn kills me, whatever
children Grainne may have rear and bring them up well,
and send Grainne to her own father to Teamhair." Aon-
ghus took leave and farewell of Diarmuid, and flung his
magic mantle round about Grainne and about himself, and
they departed, trusting in the mantle, without knowledge
or perception of the Fenians, and no tidings are told of
them until they reached the Brugh over the Boyne.

Then Diarmuid O'Duibhne spoke, and what he said was:

ter, however, were not so called before the I4th century. Vide Annals
of the Four Masters, A.M. 3579.

* Sliabh Lugha is a mountain district of the county of Mayo, in the
barony of Costello.

^- Athfraoich, i.e. The ford of heather. This is perhaps erroneously
written for Ath Croich, on the Shannon, near Shannon harbour.

* Sliabh Mis. See page 114, n. 3.

? Drom mar. There are many places of this name (anglicised Dro-
niore) in Ireland. That most noted in Munster is Dromore, near Mal-
low, which was anciently one of the seats of the king of Cashel, ac-
cording to Leahhar na g-Ceart.

152

It^iÓ : " KACfAb fíof At» ccATji), A "pblW- '^'S^^Y ^ 5-ceAnT)
T)A 'pejijije ; A5uf bo Óét) éijileAC A-^a\- AccuinAÓ 0]iz íé]t}
A5ur A|i bo rbu]t)q|t, ój* beA|ib Ijonj 5U|t rbiAi) leACfA 5AD
ArjACAil bo cAbATjtc bATT), Acc nyo h^y bo CAbAjjic A t)-ív]c
éi5]ij; A5uf póf 5 i)AC l]on) biil or) 5-coT)CAbA]]tc ]*o Arp
ceAijT), bo bjtij T)Ac b-|:uil cajxa iijiv conjpAi^AC A3ATI) a

5-C|tt0CAlb lTt)ClAT)A AT) t)On)^]r) n)Ó]]i, T)0C TlAcpAllJI) A|l A
AlJACAll ]r)'A A|t A COlJIÍJltCeAÓ, tl^Ajl 3U|l TDItJIC bO CU5Af A

i)-ivjt A5Uf A t)-eA]*bA bob coi5e|-e. Oiji i)] jtA^b cac ]t)'A

COTT)IaU0, bUA8 |T)iV bOCAjt 0]tC|*A ItetT) l]T)T), r)AC ]tACpAlt)t)

CA|i bo ceAijrjfA A5Uf caji ceATji) tja péirjije AJjt), A5uf ^^óf
50 i)-be]i)iT)r) coTTijiAC jtorbAb A3uf Ab 61AI5; a5u|* if b|t]-
ACAit bArbfA, A fh]V^, 50 ij-bi^eolAbfA n^é ^réiij 50 tijAic
ful 5eubA]Ttfe a v-'^]r^e r^'e"

" )X T^ioft bo <DblATxn)u]b fiib," A]t Of3A]t, " ^suf cAbAiji

AT)ACAll A Tt)AlC|Tb 6o. " " N] riubA^t," A^l plOt)^, " 50

bfiu]r)T) At) bjtivcA; a^ui* t)j b-i:u]5]8 fuAiTbr)eAf ^ijA C0Tt>-
T)ui8e co|6ce, t)ó 50 b-cu5Ai6 bjoJAl bArbfA at)1) 5AC mAf-
Ia& ba b-cu5 bAtb." " )x ^ó^(^ at) bu]c a5U|* ai) cori>A|xcA
eubA 6uic]*e i*]!) bo itaS," a^i Of3A|t; " A3Uf bo be]ititt»fe
b]t]ACAjt i:ío|iIaoic," A|t ffe, " h^utja b-cu]C]b t)a p]0|tn)A-
n7e]T)ce AijuAf 0|trt), ijó At) caIatí) b'of3A]l Tiivrt) cofAib, t)ac
lé]3peAb bu]c pefT) ■\^)i^ b"pl)]At)i)Aib 6]|i]0T)r) fuiliu3A6
lOiv |:o]|x6eAii5A6 bo OeuijAtt) A^ji; A3Uf 5AbA]Tt) a co|tp
A3uf A AtjAti) A^t co]n7i|tceA6 TT70 30ile A3uf rpo 3A]f3e, 30
ro-beu|tpAb ]-lat) liort) & b'A]n)i>eo]i; b-peA]t r)-Qj]}i}OX}\}. 2l3Uf,

' TVie ^rea< world. This is a common phrase in the Irish stories. It
is sometimes called An Domhan mor shoir, the great world in the east,
and means the continent of Europe, for which the modern name is
Moirthir na li-Eorpa, the great-land of Europe. That tlie ancient Irish
liad some communication witli tlie continent would certainly appear from
various notices, in some of which, however, there may be a large mix-
ture of fiction. Niall of the nine hostages is said to have made descents
upon the coast of Gaul, on one of which occasions he carried off the
young son of a British soldier serving in Gaul, afterwards St. Patrick ;

ir,3

" I will go down to tliee, Fiomi, and to the Fenians ;
and I will deal slaughter and discomfiture upon thee and
upon thy people, seeing that I am certain thy wish is to
allow me no deliverance, but to work my death in some
place : and moreover, seeing that it is not mine to escape
from this danger which is before me, since I have no friend
nor companion in the far regions of the great world* under
whose safeguard or protection' I might go, since full often
have I wrought them [i.e. the warriors of the world] death
and desolation for love of thee. For there never came up-
on thee battle nor combat, strait nor extremity in my
time, but I would adventure myself into it for thy sake
and for the sake of the Fenians, and moreover I used to do
battle before thee and after thee,^ And I swear, Fionn,
that I will well avenge myself, and that thou shalt not get
me for nothing."

"Therein speaks Diarmuid truth," said Osgar, "and
give him mercy and forgiveness." " I will not," said
Fionn, " to all eternity ; and he shall not get peace nor
rest for ever till he give me satisfaction for every slight that
he hath put upon me." "It is a foul shame and sign of
jealousy in thee to say that," quoth Oscar ; " and I pledge
the word of a true warrior," quoth he, " that unless the
firmament fall do^vn upon me, or the earth open beneath
my feet, I will not suffer thee nor the Fenians of Erin to
give liim cut nor wound ; and I take his body and his life
under the protection of my bravery and my valour, [vow-
ing] that I will take him safe in spite of the men of Erin.

and the Annals state that in the year 428 king Dathi was slain by a flash
of lightning at Sliabh Ealpa (the Alps).

' Coimirceadh. This was the technical word for the protection a chief
owed to his tribe in return for coigny and livery, bonnaght and other
duties. The English writers rendered it by commerycke.

» i.e. Diarmuid used to clear the way for Fionn going into battle, and
to cover his retreat when leaving it.

i:)4

A í)b|A)UDuib, cA|i AuuAr Af JM) n)-bile, 6 t)Ac is.]l ite
pjoiji; Ar)ACAil Í30 CAbAijtc bu^c, A3Uf 3AbA]rr)fe A|t rno

COfip A5U|' A|l T^'aTJATT) CU, A|t T^eAbAl bO 6eUT)Arb OjlC ATJjU."

2lt7t) fit) b'éi|ii5 í)]A|trT7uib ^da feArArt) A|t ui^S^IS bo
5eu3Aib At) b^le, A5Uf h'é]]}]-^ bo bAO]rléiTn eubc|tuin)
eui)ArT)A]l b'úitlArjrjAib a cftAOi^eAc, jujt JAb le^qob a bii
bopt) bot) -peAjtAriT» ^eu]tuAicr)e lonrjuf 30 T)-beACA|6 jn^ciAT)
cA^i 'pbloijT) A3u|* cAji T^bl^WA^b 6iit]0t)r) ATi)Ac; rr)A|t if
léiit ^vvv AT) IaoiÓ fo fíof 5AC injiteAfívT) A3uf 3AC bjijA-
CA|t biv jiA^b eAroft|iA ó reAcc 3UI* at) n)-bile 6óib vó 3U|t
f3A|iAbA7t fén) A3uf <t)|A|iTt)uib jie t)-A cejle, tt)A|i leAt)Af :

jf curbAT) l]orr) at) 1Ti)i]tc

bo bit A3 f lA^r i)A b-'piATjT) ;
^^ V]OVV ASUf A3^ n)AC,
A5 Bui) Jjife f lAji.

'Do fmOeAf feiT) cuTT) cliviTt,
ti)é fell) A3uf TDo 6iAf TÍ)AC ;
le 3uaIaii)i) 'pblDi? U-i BbA0if3i)e,
ocb ! If liTji) bob Aic.

iDo léi3eA6 eAbituii)í) ai) f iccjU,
Ibiit citiAC A3uf Iaoc ;
bo babAJt T)A flit A3 itDiitc,
A'f T)io|t b'i fúb AT) irtjiitc bAOC.

l,éi3iof <t)iAittDuib béib3eAl

CAOlt AT)UAf AlV AT) 3-clíVll ;

có3bAf OifíT) é 30 CApAlb,
aV lél310f feAjt 1T)A ívic.

' All genuine old Irish stories, and even many historical works, contain
poetical accounts of speeches, episodes, &c., wliich are generally not
the composition of the writer, but quotations, and consequently often
in much older language than the prose in which they are inserted. This
is an Ossianic poem purporting to be an account of this game of chess
given to St. Patrick in after times by (most likely) Oisin, and it probably

155

And, Diarmuid, come down out of the tree, since Fionn
will not grant thee mercy ; and I take thee, pledging my
body and my life that no evil shall be done thee to-day."

Then Diarmuid rose and stood upon a high bough of the
boughs of the tree, and rose up with an airy bound, light,
bird-like, by the shafts of his spears, so that he got the
breadth of his two soles of the grass-green earth, and he
passed out far beyond Fionn and the Fenians of Erin ; and
here in tliis lay is fully set' down every dispute and every
word that came to pass between them [the Fenians] from
their [fu'st] coming to the tree until they and Diarmuid
parted from one another, namely :'

I remember the play
Which the chief of the Fenians played ;
Which Fionn [played] and his son.
At Bun Irse in the west.

I myself sat down to the table,
I myself and my two sons ;
At the shoulder of Fionn O'Baoisgne,
Alas ! to us it was pleasant.

The chess-board was put betwixt us.
Both chief and warrior ;*
The men were playing,
And that was no trifling play.

Diarmuid, the white-toothed, throws
A berry from above upon the table ;
Oisin raises it speedily.
And puts a man in its place.

furnished the writer with the story of the chess which he has amplified,
but he does not describe tlie fight. The language has become assimilated
to that of the prose.

» i.e. with all the men complete, chief denoting a superior piece, and
warrior a pawn.

inn

}-loni). lOo |ii\i6 l^ioi^T) 50 &éi5eATMc.

" ACÍV TjeAc éi5]i) f Ap 5-c|iAt)r) ;

A5Uf buf b"! Al) C0]*5Alit AljbA
bo b]Af AJATtJt) 11)A CeAI)t)."

TTJAC OlfÍT) A]Sn)é]\ Ú]|tJ

" A ]ti3, C]A bo T)A ]:eA|iA]b
T)eAC it)A b-pu^l bo 6ú]l?"

}-]0iji7. " Niv cu]jife n)é a|i njeAitbAl,
A ^i|i, 516 n)A]c bo Utp ;

5U|l Ab Í AT) C0f3Al|l AT)bA

bo b^Af A5Air)t) pii clivft."

OrsAti. " Niv b-AbAi|t rir>, A |ti5,

a']* i)iv b^oó ^aIa ^ry'At Ab 5t}ú]]* ;
bív Ti)-bA6 beA5 0|tc <t>]A]in)\i]b,
bu6 cóiji A léisioi) bú]T)t>."

pAOlíVIJ. 2lt)t) f|t) lAb]tA|* pAoliVT),

A5ur é A3 b|torbu5A6 tja SAjfse ;

" T)) léispiTDÍb <t)|A|trt7U]b

le T)eAC b^ b-pu]l i)a beACA]6."

" NiV|t ItAlb rr}A]t AJAbj-A, A Of5A]|l,

A p]|v b|toj'bu]5ce 5ACA caca ;
A be]|i 50 n?-beu|t]:ii Iaoc leAC,
bAjTbtJeoip uA]rT) péjr) 'f on) ACA]|t.

0|*5A]t. " T^Ajt M)UAy, A í)bíA|tTT)U]b,

5AbA]rTj |:ór cii bo U]n) ;
30 TT)-beuitpAb cufA fUt)
bAirbOeoio 6 pblAijijAjb 6iit]oi;i;."

lo7

Fionn. Fionn said at last,

" There is some one in the tree ;

And that will be the terrific slaughter [him."

[The one] which we shall have [fighting] against

Oscar. Then spoke Oscar,

The son of the fierce noble Oisin ;
" king, which of the men
Is he for whom thou wishest ?"^

Fionn. "Set me not astray,

man, though good thy hand ;
For that is the dreadful slaughter
Which we shall have about the table."

Oscar. "Say not that, king, [face ;

And let there not be constant displeasure in thy
Were Diarmuid hateful to thee
It were fitting to leave him to us."

Faolan. Then speaks Faolan,

And he inciting the heroes ;
" We will not let Diarmuid go
With any one that Lives."

" Foul faU thee, Oscar,

man that incitest every battle ;

That sayest thou wouldst take with thee a warrior.
In spite of me and of my father."

Oscar. "Come down, Diarmuid,

1 myself take thee in hand ;
[Vowing] that I will bear thee safe
By force from the Fenians of Erin."

1 Oisin is here taunting Fionn, and asks him which of his pieces he
would like to take.

158

3oll. " jf tDÓfl A lAbp.Nlft, A OfJAlfl/'

Í50 |iíV|Ó 3oll cui|tfeAmA]l ija tií-béitt)iot)t)

" A |tii8 30 nj-beu|x^ic Iaoc leAC

ti A]ir)6&o]y) A c^ot)6l b-peA|i r)-6]|tionr)."

Of3A|t. " N] ru b|to|-bu]5eAf 0|in7, a ^bo^ll,

t)A clAr)l)A tt»eAltA TTJÓIIljrJÍOTTJ ;
cIaTJIJA t)Ó]6ÍT) A|t í)blA|ttT7U]í),
cIaWA CAjAjtCA C]teutjlA01C."

3oU. " 2t)iv|* n)A]t fit) A bei|t]]t é,

A Iaoic t)a 5-coTblAi)t) beACAiji ;

beA]tbcA|t buji^T) c'ú|ilui8e

fAi) 5-cóin)|ii5e x]r) bo sUcAiit."

Coi]t|t]oll, 2li)t> riT) '''^ UbitAf Coi)i|iioll
bo 5UC TÍ7Ó|t l6 b-0|-5A|t ;
" Ai) c6]Tb|ti5e fji) bo 51aca]|-,

CAlcpi|t bul biV COfTJATT)."

OfSAit. 2li)i?nt) T^o UbAiii Of3A]i,

Asuf bob é fit) AV f|ieA5|tA6 bo|tb ;
" SeiVTitif AbfA bA|i 5-ct)i^Tt)A,

iblltli^AC A5Uf ACAl|t."

Lé]n}eAf tdac Uj t)buiboe
Ai)UAf Af bai|t|i AX) bjle ;
A co|tp ceAt)5A]lce bA CAic-é]beA6,

bob é AIJ COJl|tAt)t) 10t)5At)CAC.

CÚ15 ceub, A Pbivb|tui3,
5l6 líot)tT>A|t, bívjt iTjAicibj-
bo coif5 TTjAc Ui Dbujbtje
rul |tivit)i5 OrsAjt.

' Oscar means tliat no one would miml what Goll said to them.

lo9

Goll. " Thy words are big, Oscar,"

Said gldomy Goll of the strokes ; [with thee
" To say that thou wouldst bear away a warrior
By force from the assembly of the men of Erin."

Oscar. "'Tis not thou that incitest against me, Goll/
The swift clans of the great deeds ;
The clans hostile to Diarmuid,
The clans that challenge a mighty warrior."

Goll. "If that be thy speech,

warrior of the hard fights ;

Let thy blows be proved to us,

In that combat^ which thou undertakest."

Coirrioll. Then speaks Coirrioll

With a loud voice to Oscar ;

" That combat which thou hast undertaken,

Thou wilt have to go and maintain it."

Oscar. Then spoke Oscar,

And that was the fierce answer ;
" I will hew your bones.
Both son and father."

The son of O'Duibhne leaps
Down from tlie top of the tree ;
His body bound in his battle-harness,
That was the wondrous noise.

Five hundred, Patrick,
Though many [it seems], of our chiefs ;
Opposed the son of O'Duibhne,
Ere he reached Oscar.

' Coimhrighe, a strife or combat, derived from comJi, together, and
riyhe, the wrist ; as comhrac, recte eomhbhrac, a struggle, comes from
coinh, and brae, the arm.

160

Ro cATt|t<xit)3 Or5A|t A c|tAoireAC,
nj^ji piAin) jAOice aV 5leAr)i)A ;
tjó TDA|\ puA]Tn lice aV uir5^>

CoDiKD. 2li)t) fit) UbitAf CoDivi),

aV é A 5-coTT)r)Ai&e it)a -pAU ;
" 1^151^ ^<^ clAtitjAjb BbAoi|*3t)e
ct)]]* A ce^le bo 5eA|i]tA6."

"piotjT). Ro lAbAi|t 7^101)0 50 be^jeAi^Ac,

" cuimo C0f5 A|i bAjt t)-A|tn)Aib;

1JÍV bio6 cIawa 2t)ói|tT)e ]t) bA|t o-bjAij,

50 b-céióc] 50 b-2lln)uii)."

<t)]A|iTi)uib b6ib5eAl O t)uibr)e ;

A5Uf OfSAjl t)A TDÓlTt5l)Í0Tt)

íJ K«13 rií»t> 30 c]ió]l]6]oc.

21 b-A^cle Ai) cotbitA^c f]i), bo t^iv^tjis OfSAfi Asiif «Dj-
AHTt)uib |ton)pA 5At) |:uiIiu5a6 ^at? troi]t6eA|i5A6 A|t ijeAC
ACA, A5U|- 1)] b-^lctilfceAii f5eului5eAcc ojtjicA r)ó 50 ]tíxr)-
3AbA|t 5u|- At) rt)-bitu5b of Bó]i)t), A5u|- bA luc5<vi|teAC
líviT)n7eAT)ii)i)AC A b^ 3T^^1t)t>e A5uf ^toij^uf ]tort)pA. 21t)I)
X]V bo it)T)if <DiA|tn7U]b A |*5eulA 6ó|b ó cúif 50 be]]ieA6,
A^uf T)í n)ó]t t)ív|icuir '^]i!x'\m^ a b-cíV]n)t)eulAib buAi)ibA|t-
bcA hí\]Y le b-uAtbAT) A5u|* le b-u^cbaf at) fje^l fit).

jott)cúfA 'p^blt)')) 1^1* t)-itt)ceAcc Tt)ic Uí í)biiibt)e A5Uf
Of3Ai]t, bofuAiitt)Aot)bAii CAOifeAc A5Uf beic 3-ceub Iaoc

1 An English writer would have said that he poised and hurled his
spear, but the Irish use tarraingim, I draw, to denote a man's placing
himself in the attitude for using any weapon or implement to give a
blow, and also the delivering of the blow,

» i.e. of the wind howling through a glen.

101

Oscar drew [and cast] his spoar/
Like the sound of the wind and glen ;2 [stone,
Or like the sound of water [rushing] over a flag-
Wliilst he dispersed the warriors.

(Jonan. Then speaks Conan,

Continually abiding in enmity f
'* Suffer the clanna Baoisgne
To hew each other's flesh."

Fionn. Fionn spoke lastly,

" Restrain your weapons ;

Let not the Clanna Moirne be after yon,

Until ye go to Almhuin."'*

[Then] departed from us together

Diarmuid O'Duibhne, the white-toothed ;
And Oscar of the great deeds.
Who left us in the pains of death.

After that combat Oisin and Diarmuid proceeded onwards,
neither one or other of them being cut nor wounded, and
no tidings are told of them until they reached the Brugh
upon the Boyne, and Grainne and Aonghus met them with
joy and good courage. Then Diarmuid told them his ti-
dings from first to last, and it lacked but little of Grainne's
falling into the numb stupor of the instant dissolution of
death through the fear and the horror of that story.

Touching Fionn, after the departure of the son of
O'Duibhne and of Oscar, he found nmo chieftains and ten

' Conan was the surliest of the Fenian warriors ; being, moreover, of
the Clanna Moirne, he was glad to see the Clanna Baoisgne destroying
each other.

* Fionn feared that the Clanna Moirne might attack his own tribe uu-
expectedly if allowed to be in their rear.
11

162
]UA 3-cof5.\ifi cfio, A5uf jio cuiri 5 AC aod bo h] ii)lei5ir 30

710 cm|i 3AC A01J &o b] Tt)A]ib Ai)i). Ba cui|ifeAc fei|t5ce
AiÓtbeuUc |io bix p|ot>i) A b-Aicle i)a b-uA||xe fji), A5Uf bo
TT)10i)T)ui3 <N3uf bo móib]3 i)ac i)-bioi)3i)A6 rr)ó]\i<\) corÍ7Uui6ce
50 t)-b]5eoU6 A]i C)blA|itr)uib 3AC a T)-bei\fi|iT)A aiji. 2lor)
f ]ij A bubA]|tc fte t)-A luce peAÓníA a loi;3 bo cufi a b-].*ei|*be,
A3uf lor) b|b A3uf bi3e bo cu|i ]r)t)ce. <t)o |i]3r)eAbAii at^-
Ia]6 Y]^J, A3Uf a|i Tt)-be]c ollArb botj lu]r)3 ]to sluAif ^e^i)
■A3U|* TTjíle Iaoc bii TT)uiT)q]t rt)A|i Aot> it^f b'|or)r)^Ai3]b ija
l^lDSe. i)o có3bAbAit a b-Ai)t)cu]|i]&e y'a ceub6||i, A3iif
110 cu]|ieAbA|t ]on)][.ixn) cpeiit) C]i)ijeA]*ijAc A|t at) luit:)3, lotj-
tjuf 5u]t cii]|teAbA]t A|t frAib t)A0] b-coiji) |-At) b-VA]|t|t3e
T;-50|tit)-c]*fiocAi3 AroAc í j A3ii]* |to lé]3(0bA|i aij 5A0C a

1)3l0CA]t) AT) C-feolc|l01T)T), 50 T)AC IJ-ATtpifCeAlt A T)-in)-
CeACCA 3Ufl 3AbAbA|l CUAt) A3U]* CAlAb-pOfVC A b-cuAii-ceAjic

2llbAt). i)o ceAi:)5lAbA]t at) lor)3 bo cuAilljbib coT)5bi\lA
AX) cuA]i;, A3UI* bo cuA]6 )^iot)i) A3u|" cú|3tO|i bA n)u|i)c|]i

30 bÚT) |tÍ5 2llbAl), ASU]- ]tO bllAll 7^101)0 bAf-CltAUO |-At>

bO]iuf 3uft ^]A|:|iu|3 A1) bó]]i|*eo]ii cja ]ío h'd atjt), A3uf* bo
b-TTJtjfeAb 3u|t Ab é "piorjT) idac CbwrbAill |io biv At)ij.
" ié|3ceA|t AfceAc é," A]t at) ]t|3. Fo l&i3eA6 T^jOTjr)
AfceAC Ai]T fjT), A3uf cé]6 y:é]x) A-^uy a TT)ii|i)ci|t bo Iacajit
Ai?7i|5. Ko peA|iA6 p^xjlce TblocAijt }xo]ni }-\)]Ot)t) A3 at>
1*Io' ^^^V ^o cuiTt T^ioijT) it)A fui6e it)<v ioi)Ab ^íé]!). JA|i
TIT) |io b^]leA6 n)eA6A y^]n)e fOCAicn)e, A3Uf beocA 3A|t3A
5AbAlcA 6ó]b, A3U]* bo cuifi at) |t]3 pio|* A]t at) 5-cuib ojle
bo n)U]i)ci|t "pi)]!)!), A5U|' b'^eA|T |:A]lce ^iort)pA fAi) biu).
21i)i) fii) |to ]i)t)ir "pioDi) A coir3 A3U|- A cu]ui|- bot) |ii5 ó
rú||' 30 bei]tcA6, A-^uy 5u|t Ab b'jATtjiAiO cotbAHtle A5U|*
coI)3A1)c^ cixit)|3 ffe y(^]i) bot) co\i f|i> a t)-A3Ai6 rbjc U]

' Alba, i.e. Scotland.

» Bas-chrann, a knocker. Literally, a hand-log, or hand-timber,
the primitive knocker having probably been a stout .«tick or lotr, either

163

ÍmndreJ warriors in a mang-led bloody mass, and he sent
every one that was curable where he might be healed, and
[caused to be] dug- a broad-sodded grave, and put into it
every one that was dead. Heavy weary and mournful was
Fionn after that time, and he swore and vowed that he
would take no gi'eat rest until he should have avenged upon
Diarmuid all that he had done to liim. Then he told his
trusty people to equip his ship, and to put a store of meat
and drink into her. Thus did they, and the ship being
ready, he himself and a thousand wamors of his people
together with him went their ways to the ship. They
weighed her anchors forthwith, and urged the ship with a
mighty exceeding strong rowing, so that they launched her
forth the space of nine waves into the blue-streamed ocean,
and they caught the vnnd in the bosom [of the sails] of the
mast, and it is not told how they fared until they took haven
and harbour in the north of Alba.' They made fast the ship
to the mooring posts of the harbour, and Fionn With five of
his people went to the Dun of the king of Alba, and Fionn
struck the knocker^ upon the door, so that the doorkeeper
asked who was there ; and it was told him that Fionn Mac
Cumhaill was there. " Let him be admitted," quoth the
king. Fionn was thereupon admitted, and he himself and
his people go before the king. A kindly welcome was made
for Fionn by the king, and he caused Fionn to sit down in
his own place. Thereafter were given them mead mild and
pleasant to drink, and strong fermented diiiiks, and the
king sent to fetch the rest of the people of Fionn, and he
made them welcome in the Dun. Then Fionn told the
king the cause and matter for which he was come from be-
ginning to end, and that it was to seek council and aid

chained to the door, or lying by it. Crann means a tree, but is some-
times used to denote the material, as cos chroinn, a wooden leg, or as in
some parts of Great Britain it is provincially called, a tree ley.

104

«Dbuiboc. "2l5U|- If n)Aic bo bl|5eA6 Óu|cfe fliux;^ bo ca-
b^itxc bAn)|-A, ó||i If Ó 'DiAytiiMiib O 'Du|boo bo ib^itb
c'vXCAiji A5ur bo S]^]' b(»A|ibiiaic|ioAC, A3UI' njójiíM) bob
tr}4<]t]b Ajt ceubt;A.'' " )y víon ri'^/' ^T^ ^i:» 1^15. " -^S»!' ^^
b&TifA rt)0 ÓjAf rbAC ^é|ij ASuf rnjle bo f'luA^ citDCjoU 5AC
^l|t biob Su]z." Ba lúrsíviíieAC "pioiji) boij c-rociiAibe y]\)
CU5 1115 2llbAi) t)o, A5uf céileAb|iAf "pioijij A5u|* a tijuivciit
bot; |ii5 A^uf biv C0A5IAC, A5m* i:^5bAib TonjcoirtJijtceAÓ
beACAÓ Ajiif ]*líVTtjce aco, A5iif |io cu]|ieAbA|i ai; ceubijA
leo. 5blu<^ir^Ar l^l^uu asuj* a cuibeACCA, A5U|' y] b-^ic-
]tlfceA|t ]*5eulu]5eAcc omtcA 50 |ií\T)5AbA]t suf at; nj-bfiu^
d]' Bóipi), A^uf c^it;i3 yep^ A'^ny a tí)U]i)ci|i a b-qtt. JAji
fp ciqfteA]* piotji) ceAccA 50 ceAJ 2loo5ufA ai) bfio5A
b'puA5|tAÓ CACA A|i 'Db|A]iiTjii|b O "t)biqbr)e.

" C|teub A 6em)|:AbfA u|rtje ]*úb, a Of5A]|a ?" A]t lDiA]i-
n;u]b. ** <t)o ÓeuTjpAtT) a]iaoi) cac po^Ailce ^reolfSAOjlce
bo cAbAijtc bóib, A5u|* jat) cacIac beACAb bo lc]5iot} A]*
b^ob 5AT) rbAjtbAÓ," a|i Of5A|t.

2ljt ri;Alb]1J A|l l)-A TtjiVjlAC ]tO ejltlj <t)]AltTTiU]b A5Uf 0|'-
5A-fl, A5llf bo JAbAbAjl A 5-CA0tT)C0|tpA ^T^A 5-CulA]6c]b Alltl)

5Air5e A5UT corbitAjc, A5Uf bo 5luA]i-eAbAit au 6a Cfioiurbj-
leAÓ x]\) bo lacATti Ai) coit)Ia]I)1) y]i), 4<-^uy -^y njAittS beAv; ]i;iv
njoitCxt; bu]6t;e A5 A b-c<\ir>i5 at) b[Af bOA5-lAoc fii) yix i:o]\f^.
2li)r) ri') T^o ceAt)5Ail ^D]A|mnit^ A5iif 0]'5A|i ccoiiaijija
A rsi^c lOA cé]le 50 UAC t;-be]leocAibif nec&jle fAu 5-CAc.
)aii rp; b'puA5|tAbA|i cac aji ]^bloui;, Ajuf ai;i) fp) a bub-
|iAbA|t cIat;ua |t]52llbAi) 50 fiAcpAbAoif yé]v A5uf a idu|i;ci|i
bo con;}iAC |iiu Aft b-cúp*. Cí\i)5AbAii a b-cífx a 5-ceubóiit,

' Tlie Irish chit'fs were acfustomod to liave in their service large bodies
of Rcottisli gallowglnsscs, long after the hulf-mythic period to wliich our
story refers. The O'Doiinells and O'Neills of Ulster and the O'Connors
of Connaught retained them in numbers, both for their intestine feuds,
and for their wars upon the English ; and in 1533 the Irish Council wrote
complaining of the number of Scots -who were settling in Ulster, " with

ICo

against the son of O'Duiblmo that he was then come.
" And truly thou oughtest to give me a host, for Diarmuid
O'Duibhne it was that slew thy father and thy two brothers
and many of thy chiefs likewise." " That is true," said
the king, " and I will give thee my own two sons^ and a
host of a thousand about each man of them." Joyful was
Fioim at that company that the king of Alba had given
liim, and Fionn with bis people took leave and farewell
of the king and of his household, and left them wishes for
life and health, and tliey [the king, &c.] sent the same with
them [the Fenians]. Fionn and his company went their
ways, and no tidings are told of them until they reached
the Brugli upon the Boyne, and he and his people went
ashore. After that Fionn sends messengers to the house of
Aonghus an bhrogha to proclaim battle against Diarmuid
O'Duibhne [i.e. to challenge him.]

" What shall I do toucliing this, Oscar ?" said Diar-
muid. " We will both of us give them battle, and destroy
them, and rend their flesli, and not suffer a servant to es-
cape alive of them, but we will slay them all," said Oscar.

Upon the morrow morning Diarmuid and Oscar rose,
and harnessed their fair bodies in tlieir suits of arms of
valour and battle, and those two mighty heroes went their
ways to the place of that combat, and woe to those, or
many or few, who might meet those two good warriors
when in anger. Then Diarmuid and Oscar bound the
rims of their shields together that they might not separate
from one another in the fight. After that they proclaimed
battle against Fionn, and then the children of the king
of Alba said that they and their people would go to strive
with them first. They came ashore forthwith, and rushed

thaidis of the kingc's disobeysant Irishc rebcllcs." XíúcAji. Fuur Mast
1590, note.

16G

A3»r ^o 5luATfeAbA|t a 5-coii;i)e Ajuf <\ 5-corb6iv|l a cé]le,
A5Uf jto 5Ab i))A|irtju]b O i)uibi)e ^úcA, cft^ocA, ajui*
ci^ltfA, ArbA]l bo itAcpAÓ feAbAC yix TTjiD-eurjAib, r)ó ti^íol
njofi pív rhiT)-]Af5Aib, t;ó rrjAC cjpe c|té tboijicfteub caojiac;

sujtAb é riu rs^^oi^eAó A5ur r's^w^x^é Ajur T'5^Tpe'<^^ ^115

At) b]Af beA5-lAoc 1*11) A|i t)A b-AllrbuitOAib, 50 t)ac i)-beA-
'CAjo ^eAji ^ijtjfce t*5^1^ I'J^ rtiAO^Oce njoipstjioti? a]* biob
5AIJ cujcitt) ]te <t)]ATtTTjuib A5Uf }ie b-0f5A|t ful c^ioiS at>
0]6ce, A5Uf bo bixbAjt pe^u 50 fleATb<viij fliv]t)C|teuccAC
5<XT) ]iuil]u5Ab itjiv |:oi|i6eA]t5A8 ofi|tcA. Ob couo^lltc
p'lor)!) T)A rt}ói|teuccA fi?), b'pill ^é]^ ^"S^V ^ ")«10Ci|t beul
i)A fAi|t|t5e ATDAc, A^uf t)j })-A]i\\]r^e^]i f5eului5eAcc
oftjtcA 50 |toccAii) 50 T>i\i cA|itt)5ijte rt)A|i a |t<vib buinje

)^f)]T)r). <t)0 CUA16 f]0\)\) biV liVCA]]t ]All I*]!), A^Uj* bA lúc-

5ív]|teAC itoiTfje ]. Ro ii)t»ir 'Ftot^t} pAc a to]^^ A5uf a
cuituji* boT) cAill]5 6 tú||* 50 bei|teAÓ, Ajuf AOb^tt a ]tT^
IteAf^^U |ie i)iA|irou]b O «Dbuibije, A5u^ 5U|tAb b']ATi|t-
Ai6 corbA]Ttle uiitjtefi c^jtjis ye y:é:]v bov CO]t x]r), A5U]- i){v|t
b-pé|b]]i le ^6A|tc HuAi5 ]t)'A T-ocitAibe buAÓ bo b|teic a]\í

Tt)Ut)A Tt)-beU|tpA6 b|lA0]6eACC ATt)iV]T) Al]t. " KACpAb]*A

leAC," Ajt AT) CA]lleAÓ, " A5U1* iTt)eo|tAb b|tA0i6eACC Ai|t."
Ba lút^iii]]teAcf]0})r) be ]*}t), A5uf f:At>Af a b-t:ocAi]t t)a ca]!-
llje At) 0]6ce ]*]T), Ajm* c]t)t;eAbA|t ]tT)ceAcc a|i tj-a Tt)ix|tAC.
Nj b-Aic|t]|*ceA]t A i)-]rt)ceAccA, ]on)oit|io, vo 50 ]tivr)5A-
bAji bjtuj T)A Bóit)i)e; Ajuf bo cu]|i at) cA]lleAC b|i]occ
bftAOióoAccA cirnc]oll )-b]i)V A^uj* i)A T^é^tjt^e, 50 ijac |tA]b
T^Pr ■^S T^GATtAib 6]jtioi)i) A rtj-beic aw- *t)ob é At) liv
|to]Tbe ri') feo "rsAjt Of5A|t le í)iA|tir)uib, a5u|* cívixIa bo
i)blArirt)uib be^c A5 ye]l^ A-^uy A5 ]:]a6ac at) liv ceubTjA-
Ro TiOjUnscAO ^iT) boi) ca]Uit;, A5Uf |to cu||i poIuatt)aii>
b|iA0i6cACcA TTUico -1. bu|lleo3 biv^Oce, A5Uf poll ]t>a lajt,
A 5-coftr)ii]leAcb bjtót) rbuiliiji;, 5ufi &|fti5 T^e 5litA]feAcc

' This is the yellow water lily, and the Irish name in the text literally
translated is, the drowned leaf. It is also called c^b.Mj AfeAOP, and IfAc

1G7

to iiiec't and to eiioouiitri- one another, and Diarmuid
O'Duiblme passed under them, throno-h them, and over
them, as a hawk would go throng-h small birds, or a whale
tlu'ough small fish, or a wolf through a large flock of sheep >
and such was the dispersion and teiTor and scattering that
those good warriors WTOught upon the strangers, that not
a man to tell tidings or to boast of great deeds escaped of
them, but all of them fell by Diarmuid and by Oscar before
the night came, and they themselves were smooth and iree
from hurt, having neither cut nor wound. When Fionn
saw that great slaugliter he and his people returned back
out to sea, and no tidings are told of them until they
reached Tir Tairrngire where Fiomi's nurse was. Fionn
went before her after that, and she received him joyfully.
Fionn told the cause of his travel and of his journey to the
hag from first to last, and the reason of his strife with
Diarmuid O'Duibhne, and that it was to seek counsel from
her that he was then como ; also that no strength of a hos^
or of a multitude could conquer him, if perchance magic
alone might not conquer him. " I will go with thee," said
the hag, " and I will practise magic against liim." Fionn
was joyful thereat, and he remained by the hag that night,
and they resolved to depart on the morrow.

Now it is not told how they fared until they reached the
Brugh of the Boyne, and the hag threw a spell of magic
about Fionn and the Fenians, so that the men of Erin knew
not that they were there. It was the day before that that
Oscar had parted from Diarmuid, and Diarmuid chanced
to be hunting and chasing the same day [i.e. the day the
hag concealed the Fenians]. That was shewn to the hag,
and she caused herself to fly by magic, namely, upon the
leaf of a water lil}^,' having a hole in the middle of it, in
the fashion of the quern-stone of a mill, so that she rose
with the blast of the pure-cold wind and came over Diar-

1G8

i;a SAO^ce sUij-puAnio 30 r)-bcACA|6 of c|oi)i) ^Db|A|iii)ubA.
A5U|* 5AbA|* A5^ A)rt)fiu5A6 c|téf Ay b-poll bo beA^iAib
t))tt)e, 50 t)-beiv|i|it)A bjojbixil |io n;ó|i boi) cuhaÓ a rrjeAfS
A Aftrij A5uf A b]b]6, 50 VAC |tAib bul Af A15C |xe rT)&]b aij
ai;}:ó|iIaiui; |*|t7 ; a5U|* bA beA5 5AC olc b;\ b-ci\]i)]'^ ]t]An)
A]|i b'p*^"C<'^l'^ ^') "l^c fit). Jf é ]\o fnjuAiucAÓ ^tjA njcAij-
ii)Aii; bo, TTjuuA b-ci5eA6 7t|f au CAjUeAC b'AttjAi* zjiey at)
b-poll ]io biv A^i AJ) bii]lleo]5, 50 b-c]ob]iA6 y] a biv]* A|t At)

liXCAlJl f|U ; A5U[* jtO lu]8 't)lA|trt)Ulb Ajl A ÓflUltT) AJUf A1)

5A boAjis ]t;A l<\iri) Ajse, A5uf |to ca]c u|tCA|i í^cufAC úift-
njeiftjjj bou 5A, 5U|t An)A|' c|téf At) b-poll at) cAiUeAC 5ufi
iu]z, itjAjib A]i Ai; livrAjft. Bo &^cccAr)t>u]5 <t)]A|trt)H^b a|i
Ai; livcAitt nu i> A5"r bc]|ieA|' a ccauu IMT ^'l<"Jt)r<^151^

2loi)5U|*A A\) bjlOJA.

Ho 011115 *DlA|ll1)Ulb 50 IIJOC A|l 1)-A ir)<\tlAC, A3U)' |10

6)11)5 2loi)5U)-, A5U)' |io cuA)6 n)A)i a |tA)b 'p)oui), a5u)*
b")')Ap)iu)5 Ó0 Au irí5|0U5UA^ rjc lo <D)Afin)uib. 21 bubA)fic
}')0i;u 50 i;-b)0iJ5i;A6 5)6 be i)ó)- a i;-b)0t)5UA6 ^D)A)in;u)b ).
2li;i; )•))) ]to cuA)6 2lou5u)* n)^]t a |iA)b )i)5 B))t)OT)i) b')A^)i-
A)6 y]ie bo ^blAtift)ii)b, A5u)* a bubA)|ic Co)trr)Ac 50 b-c]-
ob)iA6 ^'ji; bo. Ho chai6 2loi)5u|* A]vi|* rt)A)i a ]tA)b '1))A|i-
tDu)b A5UI* 3l*^lDye> '^'5^X ^'^1<^P^*M5 ^^' *t)blA)tTi)u)b aij
i)-b)ot)5T)A6 ]•& |*ic |te Co)iit)AC A5U)* |ie "pjoyt;. 21 bubA]]tc
'D)A)in)U)b 50 r)-b)or)5r)A6 b<x b-piq5eA6 y^ \)a corbcA b')Ait)i-
Pa6 0|t)icA. " C|teub )Ab i)a corbcA ?" a)i 2lou5Uf. " 2lr)

CfljUCA CCUb," A)t 'D)A)ltt7lllb, " ]tO biV A5 rt)'ACA))l .]. Z]l]-

ucA ccub U) 'Dbu)bue, 5AT) ]*eAl5 )r)iv p)a6ac bo óeuijATt)
b'PbiODU AUD, A5ur 5AI) c]oy ]v'a civ)i) bo |i)5 6i|iioi)u ;
A5U)* c)t)ucA ceub Boirjuc í)Anju)|* .). *DubcA|vi) a l.A)5U]b
n)Aji cotijcA ÓATÍ) yc]}) Ó 'pblot)i)j ó))i ])• lAb i;a c)1)ucai6c
ccub ))• foiv|i)i A i)-6])1)í;p : A5U)' r)t)iiCA ceub Cc]ye

' i.e. The present barony of Corca Ui Dlmibhnc (Corcaguincy) in tlic
comity of Kerry.

» There is no barony in Leinstcr now bearing either of tliese uauies ;

109

muid, and began to aim at and strike him tlirougli the hole
with deaiUy darts, so that she wrought the hero gi-eat hurt
in the midst of his weapons and armour [i.e. though covered
by them], and that he was unable to escape, so greatly
was he oppressed ; and every evil that had ever come upon
him was little compared to that evil. What he thought in
his [own] mind was, that unless he might strike the hag
through the hole that was in tlie leaf she would cause his
death upon the spot ; and Diarmuid laid him upon his back
having the Ga dearg in his hand, and made a triumphant
cast of exceeding courage with the javelin, so that he
reached the hag through the hole, and she fell dead upon
the spot. Diarmuid beheaded her there and then, and takes
her head with him to Aonghus an bhrogha.

Diarmuid rose early on the morrow, and Aonghus rose
and went where Fionn was, and asked him whether he
would make peace with Diarmuid. Fionn said that he
would, in whatever way Diarmuid would make peace.
Then Aonghus went wliere the king of Erin was to ask
peace for Diarmuid, and Cormac said that he would grant
him that. Again Aonghus went where Diarmuid and
Graiime were, and asked Diarmuid whether he would make
peace with Cormac and with Fionn. Diarmuid said that
he would if he obtained the conditions which he should ask
of them. " What be those conditions ?" quoth Aonghus.
" Tlie cantred," said Diarmuid, " which my father had,
that is, the cantred of O'Duibhne,' and that Fionn shall
not hunt nor chase therein, and without rent or tribute to
the king of Erin ; also the cantred of Beann Damhuis, that
is, Dubhcharn in Laighean^ as gifts for myself from Fionn,
for they are tlie best cantreds in Erin : and the cantred of

Beann Damhuis means tlie peak of Damhus, and the district meant is
perhaps tliat part of the county of Wicklow in which lies the mountain
called Dowse, corruptly pronounced Jowse.

170

CbofifiAiDi) ó ití5 6ipioi;u n)Aíi rPt»^ T^^^ i)-^ T'ol"-
A-)iif ]]' ]A& i)A cori}CA le i)-A T)-beuup<viuu rí^ IM"- " ^^"
n)-b]A6pív fíceAC lo]f r)A corbcAib fjt) bív b-piiijceC^ ]Ab ?"
A|x 2loT)5Uf. " í>o bu6 u|*Ai&e l^ott) f^c bo ÓeutjArb lAb
fút) b'fív5Ail," A|t ^DjA^njuib. Ko sIua]]* 21ot)5u|* le]y tja
rseuU^b f]T) tt)ATi A |iAib jiij 6]|iiOTjt) a5U|- IFiorji), a3U|-
^uA]|i ^é t)A corijcA 1*11) uACA 50 b-wi^©, A3U]* bo n)AiceAbA|t
bo AT) iDéib bo |ti5t)e At) ^A^b bo bí fé ^ív ce^lc a^x peAÓ ]•&
bl^AÓAt) beu3, A5uf CU5 Co]irDAC a it)51oi) oile tt}aji rbtjAO)
A3Uf rt)A|i bA^tjceile b"pblOT)T) bo C]Ot)r) lé]5]ot) bo í)bl<^lt-
n)uib, A3U]* bo |i]5r)iobA|i y']otci^]\} eAco]ijtA attjIaiÓ ^ji);
A5up Tf é ]Ot)Ab ir)A|i f u]ó í)|ATin)uib Ajuf ^T^^ltJOe. a Kí^c
3bít^p)')e A b-c|tiucA ceub Cbeife Cbo|iitAit)i) a b-pAb ó
"pblotJO '<^3^V ó Cbo|iTT)AC. 2lTjt) f^r) bo jiuj 5^^1T)0e ceAC-

]tA]t TbAC AJllf AOt) ir)5lOT) bO í)blA]tfT)U|b .]. í)0T)UcbA6,

&ocbA]6, CotjijIa, SeilbfeA|icAc, a5u|* 'T)\iii]n)^ ; ^5111*
CU5 cjtiucA ceub Be]r)i)e bArbujf .1. <DubcA|ii) a l,Ai3i)ib,
boi? lT)3]i?, A3U|' |to cu]|i b|tu3Ai6, biAÓcAc, a3u|* bAi?-ó3lAC
A3 posijATÍ) 6| Ai;t). Ko bívbAji A3 corbAl t)A ríoccíiT)A aca
f;AbA |ie ce^le, a3U|* a bei|ieA& bAO^tje t)AC ^tA^b a 3-cori)-
A]tT)|*]|t ji]!* peAfi bA TÍ7Ó ó|t A3u|* A]|i3eAb, buA|t A3Uf*
bócíi]T)ce, c]\ó A3U|* cfieACA, ]i)ív í)]Atirr)uib.

2lor) n*? ^o UbAiji 5^í^1i?')C le <D|A]tn7U]b Aop bo lAecjb,
A3UI* ]f é ]to |i^i6, 30 rp-bAÓ ijí^ifi bó|b n)é]b a n)U]t;c||ie
A5uf c|iu|TT)e A b-ceA3lAi3, A3Uf 3Ar) cori)ívTjt]oii) A|t a

' Ceis Corainn. i.e. The present barony of Corran, in the couniy of
Sligo. The name is now anglicised Keehcorran, and is applied to a cele-
brated liill in that barony.

* Brughaidh, Biadhtach. These were the two kinds of farmers amongst
the ancient Irish. The former, which were the most numerous, held
their land subject to a rent, the latter rent free ; in return for which
they were bound to entertain travellers, and the soldiers of their cliief
on the march. Hence the name biadhtach, whicli is derived from biadh,
food. The amount of land lield by a Biadhtach was called Baile biadh.
taigh (a bally bctagh), and was the thirtietli part of a barony, i.e. four
quarters, of 1'20 acres each. For more information on this subject vide
An. Four Mast. A.D. 1225, note.

171

Ceis Coraiim' from the kiiig of Eriu as dowry with his
daughter ; and those are the conditions upon which I would
make peace with them." " Wouldst thou be peaceable on
those conditions il' thou wert to get them ?" asked Aonghus.
'• I could better bear to make peace by getting those [con-
ditions]," said Diannuid, Aonghus went with those tidings
where the king of Erin and Fionn were, and he got those
conditions from liim every one, and they forgave him all he
liad done as long aa he had been outlawed, [namely] for the
space of sixteen years ; and Comiac gave his other daugh-
ter for wife and mate to Fionn, that he might let Darmuid
be, and so they made peace with each other ; and the place
that Diarmuid and Grainne settled in was Rath Ghrainne in
the cantred of Ceis Corainn, far from Fionn and from Cor-
mac. Then Grainne bore Diannuid four sons and one
daughter, namely, Donnchadh, Eochaidh, Connla, Seilbh-
shearcach, and Druime ; and he gave the cantred of Beann
Damhuis, that is, Dubhcham in Laighean, to the daugh-
ter, and he sent a brughaidh, a biadhtach,^ and a female
attendant to serve her there. They abode a long time ful-
filling [the terms of] the peace with each other, and people
used to say that there was not living at the same time with
him a man richer in gold and silver, in kine and cattle-herds
and sheep, and who made more preys,^ than Diarmuid.

Then Grainne spoke to Diarmuid upon a certain day,
and what she said was, that it was a shame for them, seeing
the number of their people and the greatness of their house-

3 Creach. The English writers on Irish affairs render this word by
prey, meaning the foray in which the prey {caoruigheacht) was taken.
They also speak of one chief preying the country of auotlier, the verb
being creachaim. A chief was bound to make a creach into some neigh-
bouring territory as soon as possible after liis inauguration, in order that
the tribe might judge of his qualities as a leader. This expedition was
technically called sluaigheadh ceannais feadhna, tlie hosting of the head-
ship of the tribe; vide An. Four. Mast. 1339, wheu Uilliam Odhar
O'CarroU is said to have made liis first foray agaiust Turlough Mac
Murtough Mac-I'Briea of Ara.

172

Ty'CA]tcMrj, A5Uf 5AI) A1) b]Af bo b'^c^|ttt A i)-6]|iii;i; bo
bcjc ]f)A b-ceA5 .1. Co|trt)AC ttjac 2l]|tc Asuf )-]Oui) rt)AC
CburbA]ll. " C|teub piv i)-AbjtAr)t) cuj*a ]*]T), a 3b^*^1t)»)e,"

AJt i)lA}ttt)U]b, '* A5Uf lAb f|r) ]I)A 1)A]ri)b]b A3At1)|*A ?"

" Bu6 TbA^c IjorofA," A|i 5^^1t)ue, " pleAÓ bo CAbAi|ic bójb
Afi co|i 50 TTj-bAÓ h-'^VVV'^]^^ 1^0 cufA é." " Jf ceAb liort)-
]-A fit)," A|i «DiAiirnqb. " 2t)A]reA8," a|i ^T^í^lWe, " cu]it-
yc piof A5Uf ceACCA a 3-ceAT)r) c'ir)5it)e biv fii^O lé| pleAÓ
0|le bo con)ó]iA6 A]i tt)o6 50 Tt7-beuftpArt)A0if itjj 6]|tior)r)
ASm' "piout) rrjAC CbutÍ7A]ll bív ceA5, A5uf ^)í peAf t)AC at;u
t)0 5eubAÓ A biot)5rbivjl b'peA|i-céile." Ko citjrjeAÓ atj
corbAiiile y]v leo, A5ur bo bi ai) 6^ pleió cortjóficAif f]t)
^5 '5l}''^]VVQ A5ur A5ÍV b-lDSI» t)^ i)-beAru5A6 a 5-ceAT)u
bl^AOtjA; A^uf A 5-ceAT)r) i)a ]tAe ASup ija b-Ain^fijie f]i)

^tO CUlJXeAÓ plOf A5Uf CeACCA Aft 1115 6lltl0t)t) ASUf All

pbiouu t])AC CbunjAill, A5U1* All f-eAcc 5-CACAib t;A 3t)ívié-
pélijue, A5U1* All njAicib t;a \)-^]]^]or)V ^ii ceubtjA, Asuf 110
bixbAii blfAOAif) ot) I0 50 céile A5 CAiceAii) i)a plei&e piij.

016 ciiA Acc, At) oióce 6éi5CAt)AC boi) bliAÓAir), |io bív
<^DiAiitt)uib A Kivc ^btiivitjije ii)A coblA; A5iii* bo cuaIa
'DiAittt)uib 5UC 5A6A111 cfi& T)-A coblA I'At) oi6ce, a3ui* 110
bio65 i*|i) t)iAiitt)uib Af A coblA, 31111 11113 3l»^iuue ahi

A3U1- 31111 CUlll A biV liVlti) 1T)A Cirt)CI0ll, A3U1* no P1AP1U113

be cpeub bo coi^i^ahic. " 3uc 3A6A111 bo cuaIai*," aii
*DiAitit)uib, " ■^3111* ir ]*^^'5^^ hotv A cloi* pAt) oi6ce."
" Sli^i) coirtjeubcA oiic," aii 3l^^T)t)e, " A3Ufii* lAb 'Cuaía
*Dé t)At)Ar)r) fc>o 3t)i ntj oiici*a caii ceAtji; 21oi)5ui'a At) biio-
5A, A3U1- lui3 All b-10tt)6Ai& Aiiii*." 3l6eA6 i)ioii cu]C cobU
I'UAit) All i)biAiirt)uib At) z\iixi fit), A3U1' bo cuaIa 3UC At)
3a8aiii Aiiif. i)o 5iiiofui3 x]V í)iAitiDuib, A3Uf bob ivil
Icii* bill fiv ccAt)i) At) 3a6aiii. ^Do 11113 '^\i'A]\n)c ahi 31111

CU]ll 11)A luiÓC Al) bAllA b-WAin C, A3U|* A bllbAHtC 1)All

cuibc Ó0 bill y'A 311c 5AÓA111 fAi) oibce. *Do Ihi5 'D|AiuT)ii|b

173

liold, and that their expenditure was untold, that the two
best men in Erin had never been in their house, that is,
Cormac the son of Art, and Fionn Mac Cumhaill. " Where-
fore sayest thou so, Grainne," said Diamiuid, " when
they are enemies to me ?" *' I would fain," said Grainne,
"give them a feast, that so thou mightest win their love."
" I permit that," said Diarmuid. '* Then," said Grainne,
" send word and messengers to thy daughter to bid her to
prepare another feast, so that we may take the king of Erin
and Fionn Mac Cumhaill to her house ; and how do we
know but that there she might get a fitting husband," That
counsel was fixed upon by them, and those two great feasts
were preparing by Grainne and by her daughter for the
length of a year, and at the end of that space and season
word and messengers were sent for the king of Erin, and
for Fionn Mac Cumhaill, and for tlie seven battalions of
the standing Fenians, and for the chiefs of Erin likewise, and
they were for a year from day to day enjoying that feast.

Howbeit, the last day of the year Diarmuid was in Rath
Ghrainne asleep ; and Diannuid heard the voice of a hound
in his sleep in the night, and that caused Diarmuid to start
out of his sleep, so that Grainne caught him and threw her
two arms about him, and asked him what he had seen.
" It is the voice of a hound I have heard," said Diarmuid,
" and I marvel to hear it in the night." " May est thou
be kept safely," quoth Grainne, " for it is the Tuatha De
Danann that are doing that to thee in spite of Aonghus an
bhrogha, and lay thee down on thy bed again." Never-
theless no slumber or sleep fell upon Diarmuid then, and
he heard the voice of the hound again. Again that roused
Diarmuid, and he was fain to go to seek the hound.
Grainne caught him and laid him down the second time,
and told him it was not meet for him to go look for a hound
because of hearing his voice in the night. Diannuid laid

174

A)\ A ]on)6A]6, A^uf no ciqc a to]]\c]n) fuA^u A3U]* fístbcó-
b^lcA A\]i, A5Uf ]y é 5UC At) 3A6A]|t bo búifi^ at? cjteAy
uA]|i é. Cíi|t)i5 A17 lív 50 t)-A l<xt)t]*oillfe Ai) CAU ri^> ■^S^r

A bttbA^jtC, " ]lACpAb piV 511c AT) 5A6A]|t Ó CÍX At) liX At)1)."

" 2t)AifeA6," A|i 3T^^1We, " be]|i At) 2t)ó|iAllcAC .^. clo|-
6eAti) 2t)bAt)AT>A]i), itjoc, A5U]* At) 5A beA|i3.'' "Mi beuyx-

^Ato/' AH f&, ** AÓC beU|tpAb At) BeA5-AllcAC A3U|* At) 3A
bu^Óe Art) liV^tt) llOIt), A5Uf tT)AC At? Ctt]ll A|1 flAb]tA Att) li^lTt)

ojle."

2li)i) X]^ t^o S^"<^ir *t)iA|in)uib 6 Kite 'Sh]^^]VV€; Att)Ac,
^5»r t)i be^|t|tt)A6 oijiireAtt) it)A cottjDuióe ]tir 50 |tivii)i3 30
tt)uUAc Beit)i)e 3iilbAit), A3uf bo puA]|i 7^iot)t) |toiTt)e at)i)
jAt) AOt) bu]i)e ^T)A frA|t|tA& ]t)$v i)A cuibeACCA. Mj 6eii|i)ti)A
i)]A|in)U]b beAt)T)A6A& a]i bjc 60, acc |to ^•]Ap|iu]3 6e At) &
]to b^ A5 beut)Att) t)A t^ilse j-it). 21 bubA||tc f]or)r) tjixjt
b'&, ACb bui6eAi)C|*luA5 b'éi|ii5 An)AC cajv é]]* Tt)eA6Aii)
o^Óce, " A3uf cív|iIa lo|t3 n)\x]ce aUca A|t 3a6a|i bA]i
t)3A6|tAibt)e, A5U|* é ^•3A0Tlce]ie i)-A|i 3-con*, 30 i)i\|t ^eub-
^Ab A 5Abi^il Ó fo|t) lie. )]• 6 coitc Bejt)t)e 3^l^bA]i),

10n)0|t|t0, Ci!l]tlA ]t01TÍ) AT) l)3A&A|t, A3U|* ]Y bi0tT)A0]t) C01|'3

t)A péit)t)e bA leAt)AtT)Aii); ó]|i if tT)]t)ic ito]TÍ)e fo |to cua]6
féuACA, Asuf fto n)A]tbAÓ cA03Ab Ó3IAC bot) pbé]i)t) |in*

A|l XXJ4K]b]T) AT)1U. 2lcíV f& A T)-A3A]6 T)A beit)t)e AI)0|f cu-

5A]t)t) A3Uf At) "pbjAt)!) A]t ceiceA8 |toiTt)e, a3u|' p ív3bArr)-

A01fl)e At) CuIaC fO 60." 21 bubAjTtC í)]A|irT)Ulb T)AC jtAC-

fTAÓ fé ói) cuIai3 110 I)-eA3lA |to]TT)e. " H] có]|t buicfe f]i)
bo 6euT)Ari), a t)l)]A|ttt)u]b/' Ajt 'p|or)t), " out acao] fiv

* i.e. The small fierce one, a lesa powerful sword than that given to
Diarmuid by Aonghus an bhrogha.

* i.e. The son of the hazel, Diarniuid's favorite hound. This was also
tlie name of one of the Tuatha De Danann ehiefs. Vide additional notes.

» For a somewhat similar dream see the Feast of Dun tiu mjcdh, pp.
8, 9.

* Beaini Gulbain, a mountain in the county of Sligo, now corruptly

175

liim upon his couch, and a heaviness of slumber and of
sweet sleep fell upon hiin, and the third time the voice of
the hound awoke him. The day came then with its full
light, and he said, " I wiU go to seek the hound whose voice
I have heard, since it is day." '^ WeU then," said Grainne,
■' take with thee the Moralltach, that is, the sword of Ma-
nanan, and the Ga dearg." " I will not," said Diarrauid,
"but I will take the Beag-alltach' and the Ga buidhe with
me in my hand, and Mac an Chuill^ by a chain in my other
hand."3

Then Diarmuid went forth from Rath Ghrainne, and
made no halt nor stopping until he reached to the summit
of Beann Gulbain,* and he fomid Fionn before him there
without any one by him or in liis company. Diarmuid
gave him no greeting, but asked him whether it was he
that was holding that chace. Fionn said that it was not
he, but that a company had risen out' after midnight, *' and
one of our hounds came across the track of a wild pig,
being loose by our side, so that they have not hitherto been
able to retake him. Now it is the -wild boar of Beann Gul-
bain that the hound has met, and the Fenians do but idly
in following liim ; for oftentimes ere now he has escaped
them, and thirty warriors of the Fenians were slain by him
this morning. He is even now [coming] up against the
mountain towards us, with the Fenians fleeing before him,
and let us leave this tulach to him." Diarmuid said that
he would not leave the tulach through fear of him. " It
is not meet for thee to do thus," said Fionn, " for thou art

called in English Benbulbin. Here was fostered Conall, son of Niall of
the nine hostages, whence he was called Conall Gulbain. Vide the ro-
mance called Eachtra Chonaill Gulbain.

'■> When a chief took the field he was technically said in Irish to rise
out, and his forces were called his rising out. Both phrases were lite-
rally introduced in English by the Anglo-Irish writers.

176

Sí'AfAib jAtj fCAl5 Ttjiqce bo 6em)ATÍ)." " C|teiib ai) y\i
y!x^ cujiteAÓ i)A jeAfA n^^ 0|trD?"' A\i í)]A|trDU|b. "juueo-
^AbfA x]r) bujc," Aji 'pioi)?).

" L'A T)-Atjr) bC\ b-cí\|ilA 6ATt) be]c A t)-2llrT)uit) leACAi)-
n)ói|i LA]3eAr)T), A^uf ]*oacc 5-cACA t)a 3'?^1^^6]i)tje Art)
cittjcioll, cíV|T)i5 B^^'^t) beA5 O Bua6cíx]1) AfceAc, A5U|*
b'|íi<^P^u]5 6íorr)f A T)ív]i cuitTi^T) liort) 3U|i bort) 5eAf Aib 5AI)
be]c be]c T)-o]6ceA6A A T)-b]Ai5 a c&|le a t)-2llnjuiT) 5AT)
beic 0|6ce -jija })-eu-^n)u]y; ^•^uy i;í cívjtlAbAji t)a 5eA]-A y]x)
A|t AOi) bu]i)e boT) T^b^lW Acc Ojtnj péiij An? Aoi)A|t. t)o
cuA6bA|t Ai; 'pbl^^í)') AireAC bor) itíoj-bAllA ai) oi&ce fi»),
A5Uf r)ío|t f*AT) AOt) bujye ah) ^ocAT|tfe acc c'acajji A5uf
beA5í^U b'éi5f]b A5U|* b'ollAtbtjAib t)a fé]i)i)^, <^5"^ ^l^
5-co)ijce A5uf í\]i ijsAÓAift. Ko vi^^í^ltuiseAf péi?) bív jiAjb
Anj ■pocAiii AT) z]i'At x]r) cív |tAcpArr)AO]f Ajt A0]8eAcc r)A
1j-0]6ce rp). 21 bubAiftc c'ACAi|x|*e .]. t)oT)r) O *t)ot)i:)cbu&A,
50 b-r]obftA6 AoiÓCAcc i;a b-oi&ce I'll) bArp. '*t)Cv rrj-bAÓ
cuirijii; leACf A, a 'pbp^t;/ aji *l)oijt), ' atj uAi|t bo bí\6A|*TA

A|l fOJAll A5Uf Aft pO|ipiA5ftA6 UAjC ):éir) A5U|* Ói) h-fé]\)\),

cí\|iIa C|tócT;u]c ]V^]oy) Cbu|t|tAi5 V^pe uaiti? coftjiAC, A3uf
^"5 r1 S^T? "^i^) *\l«ir)t) Tbjc boT) citorD-coi]x|tceA]' |-]t), Asup
|io 5IAC 2lor)3;u|* At) b)i05A ai) ttjac y]t) bí\ oileAtbA]!) uAirt?.
<t)o -puj C]tócT;u]c Tt)AC o]le ]I)A ^ia^^ x]r) bo }ioc tíjac
<t)bíocA]r), A5u|* |to ]Ait|i Roc 0|irt>|*A At) n)AC y]\) bo ^Iacaó,
A5UI* rno rbAC feji) A5 2loi;5iij*, A5iif 50 b-c|ob]iA6 píiójtju
i)AorjbA]ii 5ACA T^eoji) A5 ceA5 2lor;3U]'A. 21 bubAncT*A i)a-

CAfl CUlbo l|OrT) TTJAC A1) tbo^AjO bO 3IACA&, A3Uf* jlO CU]|ICA]*

^njpióe A|a 2lou3U|- ai; njAC |*it) bo 5IACA6 a]i ÓAlcACUf.

Fo 5IAC 2lot)3U|' TDAC At) lÍ)05Al6, A3Uf TJÍ ^U]l CjtíXC ó fO]\)

ll& ijAC 3-cu]itpcA6 pjióitji) t)Aot)bA]|i 30 CeA3 ^loiJSllfA ViXll}

COtf)AlItJ*e. 21CC CCAIJA, V] pOACAf le bllAOAjt) 6, A3U|' bo

' Roc Mac Diocain was the rcachtaire of Aonglius an bhroglia. Vide
Fcis Tiyhv Chonain.

177

1111 JcT restrictions never to hunt a pig." '' WLerelbre were
tliose bonds laid upon me?'' sakl Diannuid. "That I will
tell thee," quoth Fionn.

" Of a certain day that I chanced to be in Almhuin
the broad and great of Laighean, with the seven battalions
of the standing Fenians about me, Bran beag O'Buadhcliain
came in and asked me whether I remembered not that it
was [one] of my restrictions not to be ten nights one after
the other in Almhuin without being out of it for a single
night ; now those bonds had not been laid upon any man
of the Fenians but upon in^'self alone. The Fenians went
into the royal hall that night, and no man staid by me
but thy father and a small number of the bards and learned
men of the Fenians, with our staghounds and our hounds.
Then I asked of them that were by me where we should go
to be entertained that night. Thy father, that is, Donn
O'Donnchudha, said that he would give me entertainment
ibr that night, ' [for] if thou rememberest, Fionn,' quoth
Donn, ' when I was outlawed and banished from thee and
from the Fenians, Crochnuit the daughter of Currach of
Life liecame pregnant Ijy me, and bore a smooth beautiful
man-child of that heavy pregnancy, and Aonghus an bhro-
gha took that son from me to foster him. Crochnuit bore
another son after that to Roc Mac Diocain,^ and Roc asked
me to take that son to foster [him], seeing that Aonghus had
my son, and [said] that he would provide a sufficient meal
for nine men at the house of Aonghus every evening. I
said that I thought it not fitting to take the plebeian's son,
and I sent praying Aonghus to receive that son to foster
him. Aonghus received the plebeian's son, and there
is not a time thenceforth that he does not send a nine
men's meal to the house of Aonghus for me. Howbeit,
I have not seen him for a year, and we shall, as many
12

178

5GubAtt)v\0|b A b-j-ni)lii)íb Ai)t) yo A0|6eACc i)A lj-oi6ce auocc
Ai;t).' "

" Ro 5liu\]|*eAf Ke]!)," bo |iA|6 )']0\)\), '' ajuj* *t)oj)tj a
b-A^cle y]\) 30 ceA5 Slou^ufA At) b|t05A, A5iif ]io bC\6A]f|*®

AfC|5 A1) OjÓce ]*lt), A t)l)lA)H1}ll|b," AJl pjOt)!), *' ^SUf |tO

biv cioi) TTjófi A5 2loi)5Uf oftc. Fo biv ttjac At) |teACCAi|te a
5-cori)litAbA|t leAc A1) ojoce fin, A5Uf i)] njo at) cioi) |to biv
A5 2loi)5ur o)ic|'A ]i)^ At) C]oi) |io bii A5 rr)U|i)ciii 2lot)5U|*A

Ajl tT)AC At) |teACCA]|ie, 50 jtAjb p01tf1)Ab lt)Ó|l A|t c'ACA]]t y'A

t)-A cioi)T) |-it). Hjofv b-pAbA ir)A 6|Ai5 ri" 5"n ^1T*15
bjiuijeAt) ib]ft 6iv co]t) bott) cotjAibfe citt)Cioll b|6 bft||*ce
fio CA]ceAÓ cucA, A5Uf itoceiciobAjt n)t)iv A5U|* rt)]OT)-bAO|t)e
jioiDpA, 5Uft éi|t5]obA]t CÍVC bív 5-cuft 6 ce^le. í)o cuaiÓ
Tt)AC At) jteAccAiite ib]|i 6i)i 5lúir) c'ACAitfA A5 ce^ceAO iio]tí)
T)A cot)A]b, Ajuf CU5 |*é pít|*5A6 poiftcil pe|8rt)-líi]b]it bív 6^

5IÚII) A]t Al) lcAl)b, 10t)t)Uf 51111 rtJAjlb bo l<XCAl|t &, A^m* bo

cejlj pC\ cof^Ajb i)A 5-C01) é. JA|i tid c<\it)i5 At) |teACCA]|ie,
A5U|* bo puAi|i A tfjAc tt)Afib, 5u|t léi5 él50<^ri7 frAbA ^ío|t-

CftUA5 Af. 'CiV]t)15 bott) liVCAlJX >•&]!) Al)t) j*]!), AJUf If é |10

]iiv]6; ' M] ^11)1 |-Ai) ceAJ yo At)occ bup)e !]• tDeA]*A bo f5Af%
111]* At? tt)-b|tu]5ii) yo ]i)\ Ti)é pelt), out V] T^^lb bo cloji)!)

A^Att) ACC AOl) tT)AC ArbiX^t), A5Uf bO 11)A|lbA6 é ; A5U1*

ciot)i)Uf* bo 5eubAb euijc uAic|*e, a 'pbT)'/^'' 21 bubA|tc}*A

111]' A TÍ)AC bpeuCAIt), A5Uf biV b-puiSeAÓ lt]At) pjACAjl it)iv

1ot)5At) cot) AT|t 50 b-ciobftAit)i) pé]t) enijc bo At)i). Ko

peuCAÓ At) lcA1)b, A^ur t)i01t ^\t]t PI At) piACAjl lt)ÍV 10I)5A1)

cot) A] p. 2lt)t) p|t) po cuip At) peAccAipe n)]ye piv 5eA|*Aib
ACA A5up AiórbiUce bporf)A bpA0|6eAccA rt)iii)A b-cu5A]t)t)

1 fíeachiaire. This is a personal nouu formed from the word reacht,
right or law, which is derived from the Latin rectum. The oldest form
of the word appears in the specimens printed by Zeuss of the Continental
Irish MSS. of the 8th and 9th centuries, i.e. reciire and reclairiu, and
it is variously glossed by praposiius, villicus, prapositus gent is. It
anciently meant a lawgiver and chief manager, e.g. in the Fea^t of Dun
na ni/edh (p. .3.3) the king's Reachtaire appears as master of the cerenio-

179

as there are here of U3, get entertainment I'or this night
there.' "

" I and Donn went our ways after that," said Fionn, " to
the house of Aonghus an bhrogha, and thou wast within
that night, Diarmuid, and Aonghus shewed thee great
fondness. The son of the Keachtaire' was thy companion
that night, and not greater was the fondness that Aonghus
shewed thee than the fondness that the people of Aonghus
shewed the son of the Reachtaire, and thy father suffered
great derision for that. It was no long time after that that
there arose a quarrel between two of my stag-hounds about
some broken meat that was thrown them, and the women
and the lesser people of the place fled before them, and the
others rose to put them from one another. The son of the
Reachtaire went between thy father's knees, flying before
the staghounds, and he gave the child a mightj^, powerful,
strong squeeze of his two knees, so that he slew him upon
the spot, and he cast him under the feet of the staghound.
Afterward the Reachtaire came and found his son dead, so
that he uttered a long very pitiful cry. Then he came be-
fore me, and what he said was : ' There is not in this house
to-night a man that hath got out of this uproar worse than
myself, for I had no children but one son only, and he has
been slain ; and how shall I get eric from thee, Fionn V
I told him to examine his son, and if he found the trace of
a staghounds tooth or nail upon him that I would myself
give him eric for him. The child was examined, and no
trace of a staghound's tooth or nail was found on him.
Then the Reachtah'e laid me under the fearful perilous
bonds of Druim draoidheachta^ that I should shew him who

nies marshalling the guests to their seats. In the language of the pre-
sent day Reachtaire denotes a rich dairy farmer.

2 Drom draoi was a sacred cave of the Druids near Cruachan in Con-
naught, O'Connor's Dissertations, p. 179.

1^0

PIOJ' bo ClA TbA|lb A tt)AC. 'b'lAfin^r K^1') f|CC|0U AJUf

uirse bo cAbAittc ciiSArt). A^uf b'iooolAr ttjo Uri^A, A5m«
|io cuitieAr n)'ó|i&ó5 yixny 6é]h f]ye, 5uft ^oiUnseAÓ píf
^í^eoÍAC ÓAti) .]. t'ACAiitfe bo lijAftbAÓ rv]C At) jteACCAi|\e
lb]|i A óa jlúlT). Ko cAiítseAf ^é]i) é]]i\c uAiit) At)r) Ai)
UAi|v bo ]íoiU|*i5eA6 nt) bAtb, a5U]* bo Óiulc At) iicACCA||ie
ri'Ji 5U|tAb éi5eAi) bAtt) a ]t)t)r]i) bo 5iiitAb & c'ACAi|t]*e |io
TÍ)A|tb A ti)AC. 21 bubAijtc Ai) ]teAccAiiie i)AC ytAjb |*At) ceA5
bujtíe bA|tAb u]*A é]|t]C bo cAbAi]ic ii)ív. c'ACA]|tfe; ói]t 50
]tA]b tDAC Aije ]:é]t) aj*ci3, ^"5^^ ^^^ i)5eobA6 éi|tic A|t
bic Acc cufA bo cAbAi|ic ibin A 6ív coTi* Ajuf A 6ív 5lú]t) bo,
A5uf 50 tt)A]cpeA6 fé A tt)AC bív lé]5peA6 ]•& cufA ]*líkt)
uAjÓ. pbf^^^T^Siir 2loi)5Uf* cfié|* At) úftlAbiiAÓ |*it) le|]* At)
|xeACCA|ite, A5U]* |to biteAci)U|5 cACAifi ai) ceAi;t) bo bAit)
be t)ó 5Uft cui|tCA|*TA ba Ófuiirrj é. 21i)d j*]!) cíV]))|5 ai)
]teACcAi|te A]i]Y A5iif I'Iac bo|lbce bjiAOióeACCA A150, Ajuf
|io buA^l A ti)AC bot) c-rlu]c |*|i) 50 i)-beív|V|ti)A njiic rbAol
SÍAf 5A1) cluAj* 5At) eA]tbAll be, a5U|* a bubA]|ic; ' Cuift-
injfe p>x 5eAfAib cu 3ii|tAb ]oi)ai)I) jtAe |*ao5A]1 bu]C]*e A5m*
bo t)blAfin)u|b O í)bu]bt)e, A5UI* 5u|i leAc a cu]cpeA|* pA.
be^iteAÓ ' 2li)i) |-|t) b'éijtjs ai) cojic it)A f-eAfAti) a5U]«
buAileAf beul ai) boftun' aítjac. 2lt) ua||i bo cuaU 9lot)piy
t)A 5eA]*A rii? ^^ 5-c«^ Ojtci'A, ito CHi|i cu pa 5eAf A]b 5AI)
reAÍs tt)U]ce bo 6eui)Arb 50 bftAc, Ajuf ]^ & ai) cojtc yo
coíxc be|i)i)e 3"lbAii), A51H* t)] có]|t buic Ai)Att)Aii) A^t ai)
cuIa]5 yo jiir." " Mj ]iAib p|or i)a t)5eAr ri'^ A5AiT)rA
30t)U|5e fo," A|i 'DiAfirDuib, " Ajuf t)í ^úi5f:i8 tt)é aij cuIac
^o Ati A eAsU 1)6 50 &-c]5i6 yé boit) ioi)i)f A1516, a^uj- pí^SfA

B]tAt) AJAtl) A b-pOCAlJl tÍ)1C At) CUlll." " N] píV^pAb,'' Afl

pjorjt), " óijt Ti* rDiujC ^0 cua]8 ai) co|tc |*o 6| |iO|tt)o j*o."

' We arc not told how Fionn used the chess-board to divine, but this
shews that in the autiior's time the chess-board was thought to have for-
tnerly had a mystic meaning.

' J-'is. This word, wliich is feminine and means a vision, (lience, as
in the text, the knowledge revealed to a seer or diviner,) is to be distin-

181

had slain his son. I asked for a chess-board' and water to
be brought to me, and I washed my hands and put my
thumb under my tooth of divination, ^ so that true and
exact divination was shewn me, namely, that thy father
had slain the son of the Eeachtaire between his two knees.
I offered eric myself when that was shewn me, and the
Reachtaire refused that ; so that I was forced to tell him
that it was thy father that had slain his son. The Reach-
taire said that there was not in the house a man for whom
it was more easy to give eric than thy father, for tliat he
himself had a son therein, and that he would not take any
eric whatever except that thou shouldst be placed between
his two legs and his two knees, and that he would forgive
[the death of] his son if he let thee from him safe. Aon-
ghus grew wrath with the Reachtaire at that speech, and
thy father thought to take off his head, until I put him
from him. Then came the Reachtaire again having a ma-
gic wand of sorcery, and struck his son Avith that wand so
that he made of him a cropped green pig, having neither
car or tail, and he said, ' I coiijure thee that thou have
the same length of life as Diarmuid O'Duibhne, and that
it be by thee that he shall fiill at last.' Then the wild boar
rose and stood, and rushed out by the open door. When
Aonghus heard those spells laid upon thee, he conjured thee
never to hunt a swine ; and that wild boar is the wild boar
of Beann Gulbain, and it is not meet for thee to await him
upon this tulach." " I knew not of those conjurations lii-
therto," said Diarmuid, " nor will I leave the tulach through
fear of him before he comes to me, and do thou leave me
Bran beside Mac an Chuill." " I will not," said Fionn,
" for oftentimes this wild boar hath escaped him before."

guished frorn^ios, the ordinary knowledge of a fact, &c. which is mas-
culine. Two forms occur in the Ftast of Dun na ngedh, (p. 8.) i.e., fir,
and F15ir. or according to modern orthography, ViSir-

182
Fo ^luÁir y]om }xo]n)e a b-A]cle y]t) Ajur F^^sbAf «t)iA|t-

TtJUlb TPA UACA ASm* ]1)A AO\)A]\ Aft ItJullAC t)^ CulcA. ** í)o

beifaiti) mo bftiACAjt," a|1 í)]A]irrjuií), " jufi born TbAjtbAOfA
bo |ti5t)ii- At) c-feAl5 ]*o, a "pblt)'); <^5ur "J^r ■«'^OP ACÍV A
T)-b<xt) bAti) ba|* b^'i^SAfl, ^f] ^u|l f:ei6rt) ajait) a f-eACtjAb
boo co|i yo.''

'Ci^fr)]5 AV co|tc t:^t) An? fit) A t)-A5Ai6 t)A be]r)T;e AVfOf,

AJUf AT) "PblAW JTJA ÓIAI5. Fo fS-AOll t)lA|ttr)Ulb ITJAC AT)

cuill bav b-éfU {i)A coir)i)e, A^uf U] 6e^jtftt)A x]\) c^ifibe 80,
6i|t T)iO|x pAi) ri ?ir ^í) «^í^itc, A-^ny ^o \n)i]-^ ]\o]n)e. 21
bubAi|tc i)iAiin)uib, " )r rDAiyts t)ac t)-beiT)eAt)t) coTr)Ai|ile
beA5-Tbt)iv, ói|i A bubA]|TC ^T^^lOije |tiort) a Tt)0c-6i^]l t)A

1T)Albt)e AT)1U A1) 2t)ÓftAllcAC A5U|* AT) 3<^ beAfl5 bo CAbA]|tC

yi]on)." jAjt fit) fto cuiii í)iA|ttDU|b a bi5-TÍ)eu|i bAic-seAÍ
boit)t)-iOT)5At)Ac A fUAictJib fíobA At) 5A01 bufóe, A5Uf CU5
7t05A At) uficAiii boi) n)U]C, 5uit buAfl a 5-ceAitc-U\|t a
b-AiJce A5Uf A b-eubAH) ] ; 5i6eA8 i)io|t se^pit Aot) itufbe
lt)t)ce, A3uf t)i 6eix|tiit)A fuiliu^AÓ it)ív fonióeAixSAÓ uiitfte.
Ba rbir^e n)eAt)ti)A í)blAP")w8A fit), A5Uf a b-Afrle y\x) 710
CAii|tAii)5 At) BeA5-AllcAC Af A cituAiU CAif5e, A3uf bo
buAil livt)buille 6e a t)-b]tuitt) At) z\\\\\c 50 rt)ileAbcA tt)eA|t-
CAlft)A, 50 t)ixit ^e^jtit AOi) |tuibe At)i), A5iif bo |ti3t)e 6A
cuib bot) cloióeATt). 2li)i) fit) CU5 ai) coftc ffc i)eitbeA5lAC

Ajl í)blA|ttT)Ulb SUft bAft) At) fob ItO biV fiV l)-A COf Alb, A5Uf
CÍX|iIa tl)uUAC A Cll)T) f AOI, A5Uf Aft t)-él|ll5l6 6o C^|tlA COf

Aft 3AC cAob boi) cope be, A3uf a A5A16 fiAji A|t 6eiiteA&

At) CUntC. Ko sluAlf At) cope le f^t)A6 At) Ct)UlC fiOf, A3Uf

i)ioii feub i)iA|trt)uib bo cuii b] |tif ai) pAe fit). Ko sluAff

]t01tT)pO A b-Alclc fit) 1)0 30 |ti\11)l3 6Af IIUA16 Tt)lC BbA-
8AlltT), A3llf rf)Alt ltiVir)l3 At) fltUC ItUAÓ CU3 Cflí l6ltT)eAt)t)A

' The possessive pronoun in tlie Irish is here feminine, because, though
Mac an ChuUl is masculine, the writer is considering him merely as a
CM, or hound, which is feminine.

'^ Literally, so that he took [away] the sod that was under his feet,
and the top of his head came under him.

183

Fionn went his ways after that, and left Diarmnid alone
and solitary upon the summit of the tiilach. " By my
word," quoth Diarmuid, "it is to slay me that thou hast
made this hunt, Fionn ; and if it be here I am fated to
die I have no power now to shun it."

The wild boar then came up the face of the mountain
with the Fenians after him, Diarmuid slipped Mac an
Chuill from his leash' against him, and that profited him
nothing, for he did not await the wild boar but fled before
him. Diarmuid said, "woe to him that doeth not the
counsel of a good wife, for Grainne bade me at early morn
to-day take with me the Moralltach and the Ga dearg."
Then Diarmuid put liis small white-coloured ruddy-nailed
finger into the silken string of the Ga buidhe, and made a
careful cast at the pig, so that he smote him in the fair
middle of his face and of his forehead ; nevertheless he cut
not a single bristle upon him, nor did he give him wound
or scratch. Diarmuid's courage was lessened at that, and
thereupon he drew the Beag-alltach from the sheath in
which it was kejtt, and struck a heavy stroke thereof upon
the wild boar's back stoutly and full bravely, yet he cut
not a single bristle upon him, but made two pieces of his
sword. Then the wild boar made a fearless spring upon
Diarmuid, so that he tripped him and made him fall head-
long,^ and when he was risen up again it happened that
one of his legs was on either side of the wild boar, and his
face [looking] backward toward the hinder part of the wild
boar. The wild boar fled down the fall of the hill and
was unable to put off" Diarmuid during that space. After
that he fled away until he reached Eas [Aodha] ruaidh mhic
Bhadhairn,^ and having reached the red stream he gave

» Here, and iu other places, the writer applies feminine pronouns to
the boar ; because, though tore (a boar) is masculine, he considers the
animal goncrically as a jug (finite), which is feminine.

184

luctT)A|tA CA|i|* Ai) e^if Atjoyt) A3U1* auaU, acc i;ioft ycuty
^]Ann)tt]b bo cufi biv b|tottj ]i]f" ai) hag i*iu ; '^■'S^V ^'^]V]'5 ^
b-p|iic|t;5 t)A cot)Aipe ceubijA 50 Ttivii)|5 30 b-ivfib i)a beii)T)e
fUAf A}ijf. 2l5ui* A|i b-ceAcc 50 itjuIIac At) ct»u|c b] bo
cu]ft *DiAittt)uib biv bftorn, A5U]* ajx b-cu]C|rt) curt) liv^ii bo
C115 At; co|ic y]t fAi)i}cAC fivfilivibiii a]|i, 3u|t léi3 a AbAC
A3Uf A lOUACAji |ie T)-A cofAib. 2lcc ceAUA, A^l b-í:ÍX5bíV|l
t)i\ culcA b] cii3Í)|AiirT)iiib upcAii ívcuf ac bo cúl At; cloibitb
Ito cívjiIa it)A IvxiTt) A130, 3ufx léi3 A b-10t)cir)t) |X1A 3UÍI

^<X3Alb tt)Aflb 3At) At)Art) Í, 3U|l K^C T)A b^^llbt^At^t; A^Tirt)

t)A b-^ice ACÍX Afi tbullAC t)A beiijtje 5 fop; |lé.

MíO|l ClAl) A b-A1cle X]V 30 b-C^]t)13 "plOt^tJ ASUf "pJAtJIJA

€>iit)ot)t; bo livcA](t, A3Uf jto bi^bA|t AT|t3eAT)r)A biv^f A3m*
buA]i)eu3A A5 ceAcc A]t iDblAiittju^b Arj cAt) ^[tj. " jf n)^]t
l]On} cu pAiC|*|i) |-AT) inocc ]']^), a i)blA|tti7uib," A|t "piotjt);
" ■<^5"r ir cftuA3 liort) 3AT) tt)t;iv 6i(iiotjr) bob ^eucAit) Arjoif :
ó|(i cu3<xi|* tt)A]fe tt)A]C Afi rbiorbAife, A5uf |t03A bejlbe Afi
bfto|c-beilb. ' " 2t)<\]|*eA6, ac^ Aft -^-cunjuy bujcfe tt^i^e
bo leiseAf, a "pblUl)," Afv í)iA|ttT)u]b, " b^ rt)-bAb i^]!. |tioc
■péjt) é." " C]or)t;iif bo le|5]|*p]r)r) cu?" A|t "piotjT). " 3^
njA]c," Ajt <t)|A|trtniib J " ó]\i at) CAt) 3lACA]f At) c-]*eoib
u<\fAl píf^ ]:ofi BbóiDt), 3]b be T)eAC biv b-ciob|xiv beoc
bob bAfAjb bo bjAÓ ]"& 03 flívt; óu u]le 3aIa|i bív éif."
" NíO|t cuill]ffe uA]rT} At) beoc fp; bo cAbAific bu^c," Afi
Plot;!). " Mi 1:1011 r]i;, ' Afi t)iAfin7U]b, " ff rt^Afc bo cu|l-
leAf u<vfc f ; ójfi Ai) CAt) cuAbAff*|*e 30 ceA3 i)bcffic tbfc
i)boi)r)AficAi6, A3iif n)Afce A3uf trjofiuAffle Bffifoi^t) Ab
•pocAfii, bo CA|ccArb plefóe A3ur freufcA, ciifi)f3 CAffibfic

' Wild boars and deer are tlie animals most frequently introduced by
tlie Irish romancers; wolves, though they abounded, never forming the
subject of any exploit. To niodern taste the manner of Diarmuid's death
appears ridiculous, but the peai^aiitry receive it with the same simplicity
as their median'al fathers, as a territic adventure.

' Hath na h-amhrann. That is, the Kath or tumulus of the sword-
hilt.

185

three nimble leaps across the tall hither and thither, yet he
could not put off Diarmuid during that space ; and he came
back by the same path until he reached up to the height of
the mountain again. • And when he had reached the top of
the hill he put Diarmuid from his back ; and when he was
fallen to the earth the wild boar made an eager exceeding
mighty spring upon him, and ripped out his bowels and
his entrails [so that they fell] about his legs, Howbeit, as
he [the boar] was leaving the tulach, Diarmuid made a tri-
umphant cast of the hilt of the sword that chanced to be
[still] in his hand, so that he dashed out his brains and left
him dead without life. Therefore Rath na h-Amhrann'
is the name of the place that is on the top of the mountain
irom that time to this.

It was no long time after that when Fionn and the Fe-
nians of Erin came up, and the agonies of death and of
instant dissolution were then coming upon Diarmuid. "It
likes me well to see thee in that plight, Diarmuid,"
quoth Fionn ; " and I gi'ieve that [all] the women of Erin
are not now gazing upon thee : for thy excellent beauty is
turned to ugliness, and thy choice form to deformity."
" Nevertheless it is in thy power to heal me, Fionn,"
said Diarmuid, " if it were thine own pleasure to do so."
" IIow should I heal thee ?" said Fionn. " Easily," quoth
Diarmuid; "for when thou didst get the noble precious
gift of divining at the Boinn, [it was given thee that] to
whomsoever thou shouldst give a drink from the palms of
thy hands he should after that bo young [i.e fresh] and
sound from any sickness [he might have at the time]."
" Thou hast not deserved of me that I should give thee that
drink," quoth Fionn. " That is not true," said Diarmuid,
" well have I deserved it of thee ; for when thou wentest
to the house of Dearc the son of Donnarthadh, and the
chiefs and great nobles of Erin witli thee, to enjoy a ban-

186

L|Ke<vcAift rtjAC Cbo)trt)Aic n)ic 2l|fic, ASuf ^rift Bbl^eAS-
TTju]5e, A5uf 2l)bi6e, A5uf CbeA|in)t;A, A5Uf coIattjtja
ceAt)r)A c|t)i)eAfOACA tjA "CeAtbitAC c]rt}cioll tja b|iu]5T;e

O^tcrA, A5Uf CU3AbA|l C]i\ CitOttJ-jiVjlCA Ój' í)l|t& AÍ5 t]n)C]o\[,

A5Uf' |io cu]|teA&A|t ceiT)e A5ur ceAo&AÍA ]r)T)ce. Ko feJtii^-
Tffe Ab feAfAit) |A]t y]i), A5uf |iob ivjl jijoc bul attjac ; acc

A bubAftCfA }l]OZ pAIJAri^\]t) A|'C]5 A3 ól A3llf A3 AO]bl)eAf
A3UI' 30 |lACpA1t}r) péjl) ATIJAC biV 6Í05AI OftJlCA. 2lljr) 1*11)
bo CUAÓAf ArtJAC A3Uf bO b&CAf 1)A ce]T)T)ce, A3U|* CU3Af

Cjxi beA|i3-|iuACA]|i cirncioll tja biiui3T)e, 3U|i rbA|tbA|* cao-

3Ab bo 3AC ^UACAll bjob, 30 T)-beACAf AfceAC 3At) pUjllU-

3A8 3AI} po]|i6eAft3A6 ofirtj t)!x t^béif. ?^3U)' if lujijijeAC,
luc3<\i|xeAC, U\|i)iT)eAT)n)UAC, yio biv rufA ]torbAn) At) oióce
rit)> A 7-blUi), " A|i iDiAittt^uib; " A3uf biv ro-bAÓ j at; oi6ce
y]i) b']Aft]tpAjt)i;j*e beoc oftc bo beuitpiv Oatt) i, A5Uf i^ioji

CÓftA 6U]Z A1) UA|]t riT) ]])'<S AlJOjr." " H] ^ioyi fit)," Atl

"piotjr), "if olc bo cHillif uAinj beoc bo cAbAijtc biiic ir)i\
AOt) ])]6 roAic bo 6eiir)Arb 6u]C ; ó|]t at) 0|6ce ^lo cuAÓAif
IjoiT) 30 'CeArT)ftu|5, bo]iii3Aif OV^'^V^VO moc UA]rt) A b-f|A6-
t;u|fe b-feAit i)-6]Ttioi)i), A3Uf 3111% cu f&p) bA i-eA|i cd]n)-
eubrA &Arb "IfiTte a b-'CeAn)ftA|5 At) 0]6ce fji)."

"Mjoii ciot)i)Cv\c n)]ye |t|f f^i), a 'pblUO." Aft Í)ia|i-
iDuib ; " ACC 5eAfA »0 cui)t 3l^^1')t)^ optt), A3Uf t)] caiU-
PIt)t)fe TT)o 3eAfA A|i oft i)A cftuft)i)e, A3Uf T)f ^fOft bufcfe,
A T'biWi AOt) r)f6 biv t)-AbftAfft; offt ff ti)Afc fto rufUeAf-
fA uAfC beoc bo CAbAfftc bAit), biv Tt)-bA6 cu(rbfi) ftfoc
At) Ofbce bo |tf3t)e ilt)io6AC rr)AC Cbol3iVfT) f:leAÓ bftuf5i)e

1 This expression occurs in the Feast of Dnn 7ia ngedh, \>. 4, viz. —
jiuojlre Cenj^Ac co tj-A colAn)i).vib ocur retJ-cuACA CottjtiA ocur 201*56 bo
5tier OCA clo)t)6.nuio CO btiivc—" thiit Iiis progeny should still have the
legitimate possession of Tara with its supporting families, and the old
Tribes of ISlcath perpetually and for ever." These "pillars," or sup-
porting families, were probably the same as those called ceriic X]i)c
CciijiiAcl), the four tribts of Tara, at p. 8 of the same story, and -who,

187

quet and feast, Cairbre Liffeachair, the son of Cormac, the
soji of Art, and the men of Breaghmhagh, and of Midhe,
and of Cearmna, and the stout mighty pillars of Teamhair^
came around the Braighean against thee, and uttered three
shouts loudly about thee, and tlirew fire and firebrands into
it. Thereupon thou didst rise and stand, and wouldst fain
have gone out ; but I bade thee stay witliin enjoying drink-
ing and pleasure, and that I would myself go out to avenge
it upon them. Then I went out and quenclied the flames,
and made three deadly courses^ about the Bruighean, so
that I slew fifty at each course, and came in having no cut
nor wound after them. And thou wast cheerful, joyous,
and of good courage before me that night, Fionn," quotli
Diarmuid ; " and had it been that night that I asked thee
for a drink thou wouldst have given it to me, and thou
wouldst not have done so more justly that night than now."
'* That is not true," said Fionn, " thou hast ill deserved of
me that I should give thee a drink or do thee any good
thing ; for the night that thou wentest with me to Team-
hair thou didst bear away Grainne from me in presence of
[all] the men of Erin when thou wast thyself my guard
over her in Teamhair that night."

"The guilt of that was not mine, Fionn," said Diarmuid,
" but Grainne conjured me, and I would not have failed to
keep my bonds for the gold of the world, and nothing,
Fionn, is true of all that thou sayest, for [thou wouldst own
that] I have well deserved of thee that thou shonldst give me
a drink, if thou didst remember the night that Miodhach the

after the establishment of surnames, were the O'Harts, O'Regans,
O'Kellys (of Bregia), and O'ConnoUys.

' Deary -ruathar. Ruathar is a rushing, with the notion of violence
and destruction. Dear(f(reá') is here used to denote the great slaughter
that took place, but it is also used in composition merely as an intensi-
tive, as dearij-mheisge, blind or raging drunkenness.

188

<M) cAoncA]i)r) }:í\b con)<\]]\ye. Fo biv b]tu]5eAi) A|t c^ft A^uy
briu]5eAi; aj» cui^p Ai5e, a5U|- ^o catitiaids f& ms At?
bori)A]u A5U]- cjti |ti5ce Jmye cu^le suf ad rtj-bituijit) |io
bSk A]t cu]i)T) Ai5e, ^i\ corijAifi bo cior) bo bAji) biocfA. lio
biv Ai> ^leAÓ b<x cAbAjfic att)ac Af At) rr)-bfiui5iu tio bC\ a^
t\]i A|3e, Ajuf CU5 fé cuifieAÓ Óuicfe A5Uf bo feACc
7;-CACAib i)A ouA]cp&ir)t;e bul A5 CA]teArn >'le|óe 50 b|iui5it)

Al) CAOllCAlIJt). Ho CUAÓAl|*|*e, CftA, A5UJ* buiÓeAt) bO ri)A)C|b

i;a 'péioue n^Aille jtioc, bo cAiceAtT) i)a ^leióe ni) 50
bflU|5It) AT) CAOyiCAlDtJ, A5ur jto cuip 2t)io6AC f A 1)-beA]tA
ú||t )r)X)ye z.\i]le bo cuyi ]:ú]h, loutjuf 5ujt leA^AbAji bA|i
5-co|-A A5ur bA|i lArt)A bor) caIah); AJUf rDAft puAi]t ^5 Al)
borbAin A y:]Ox cufA he\t ceAtj^Ailce trjAii f|tj, bo cui|i fé
cAOifCAc ceub bA njuit)c](i b'iA|t|tAi6 bo c]\-)\)ye. 'il^yr) Y]t)
bo cu]|ti]-fe b-óftbój pAb 6é]b pjfc, aju]* |to poillf*|5eA6
f-jl- A5ur rineoluf buic. )r 1 ri') ^^^-ll^ cAuasi-a ^rc^Itj Ab
^l-^lá 3*^ b]tui5|r) At) cAOtxcAit)i;, A5ur zii^A^yye ■s]t\-)e 0|ttT)
A5 CGACC curt) i)A bpu|3t)e 6Arb> aju^* b'^oiUpjif bAtb

í2^)|OÓAC TTJAC Cbol5iV]t) A5Uf jtjj At) bOTtJAli; A3u|- cit] |ti5ce

Jt;i)|-e cujle ho hc]t a Ttj-biiu]5|i) At) ojleAii) ^roji Sblor)Aii)i),
A5U|' i)AC b-pAbA 50 b-cioci-'AO bu|t)e éi51t) uaca A5 ^AttitAio
bociutjfe, ASm* bi\ bfteic 50 |ti5 At) botr)A|t) 2t)A]% cua-

lA|-fA fit) bo JAbAf COITJAIttCeAÓ b'AlítDA ASUI* bO Clll|tp
OJirn 50 b-^ll^lSI^ bOt) IÓ Afl r)-A TbiV]tAC, A3U|* bo CUAÓAffA

A^t At) Ac bo bi le cAob t)A b|iui3r)e b!x cof i;Ait)."

"Mi C]At) bo baOAffA A]t At) Ac 30 b-Ci\It)13 CA0]f0AC

ceub bo TTjiiiDciit |ti3 at) botT)A]t) cu3Ati) Ai)t), A3iir bo cotb-

' According lo the romance of Bruigliean an chaorthainn, or the en-
chanted fort of the quicken-tree, Colgau was king of Lochlin, and the
cause of his expedition to Ireland was that he considered "King of tl e
Isles," (,lii</h ua n-Oilean) but an empty title, seeing that he no longer
possessed them all as his ancestors had done ; Ireland liaving been taken
from him. For an account of the delivery of Flonn and his chiefs, vide
Adventures of Donnchadli Mac Conmara, p. 32, n. 11. J. O'Daly, Dublm.

» Tliis character is frc<iuently Introduced in the Irish romances, but

189

son of Colgau' made thee the feast of Bruighean an chaov-
thainn. He had a Bruighean upon land, and a Bruighean
upon the wave, [i.e. upon an island], and he brought the
king of the World^ and the three kings of Innis Tuile^ to
the Bruighean that he had upon the wave, with intent to
take thy head from thee. The feast was being given in the
Bruighean that he had on land, and he sent and bade thee
and the seven battalions of the standing Fenians to go and
enjoy the feast to Bruighean an chaorthainn. Now thou went-
est and certain of the chiefs of the Fenians together with thee,
to enjoy that banquet to Bruigheann an chaorthainn, and
Miodhach caused [some of] the mould of Innis Tuile to be
placed under you, so that your feet and your hands clove
to the ground ; and when the king of the World heard that
ye were thus bomid down, he sent a cliicf of an hundred
to seek thy head. Then thou didst put thy thumb under
thy tooth of divination, and divination and enlightenment
was shewn thee. At tliat very time I came after thee to
Bruighean an cliaorthainn, and thou didst know me as I
came to the Bruighean, and didst make known to me that
the king of tlie World and the three kings of Innis Tuile
were in the Bruighean of the island upon the Sionna, and
that it would not be long ere some one would come from
them to seek thy head and take it to the king of the World.
When I heard that I took the protection of thy body and
of thy life upon me till the dawning of the day on the
morrow, and I went to tlie ford wliich was by the Bruigh-
ean* to defend it."

" I had not been long by the ford before there came a
chief of an hundi-ed to me of tlie people of tlie king of the

who he was it is impossible to say. The title appears to be vaguely ap-
plied to some fictitious Continental potentate.

' i.e. The island of the Flood or Ocean, by which the writer probably
means Iceland.

* i.e. The fort was approached by a ford.

100

IiACAtTjAji le cé|le, 3ij[i bA|i)eAi*fA At? ceAt)i) be; a5u|* bo
cu|jteAf i\]\ A Tt}U|i;ci|ie, A3uf cu5Af é 50 btiu]5]t) At; ojle-
iv]t) njAji A T^Aib ft]3 AT) borbA]t> a T;-bi\]l ójl ajui* AojbijeAfA
^5"r cpi Tt]5ce )t)r)fe cu]le ^tja ^-ocAnt. <t)o bAi^eAf A
3-c]i)i) bjob, A3u|* |to cu]|teAf A 5-corb|iA]T)r) njo f5éice ^Ab,
A5U|* cu5A|' AT) co|ti) cloc-ópóA cúrbbu]5ce 50 Iai) bo fe^T)-
TTjeAÓ foó-ólcA bo b] a b-):iAÓr)A]fe At; |i]5, ato l!x]n) clj.
2lt)T) fii) bo |i]3t)eAf pAobAi]t-cleAf len; clo]ÓeATTj Art) cjrn-
c|oll, A3uf cívi;a5 bo co|tA6 ttjo |iaca A3u|* rtjo 30]le 30

bfTU|3It) AT) CAOitCAIT)!?, A3U|^-CU3Af T)A qT)?) ]*1T) IjOTT). 'Cu-
5AI' bUlCf-e At) CO|tt) Tt^AJt COTbA]tCA C0|*3A]tCA A3UI* CÓÚ)-ir)^-

ojoce, A3Uf bo cuitt;]leAf pujl t)a b-c|ii jvioj y]^ K"^ ^5"r
trivt) b-pe^t^t), At) rt)éib b^ob bo b] ceAt)3A]lce, iot)I)uí* 3111%
lé]3eAf luAOA^l bA]t livtt) A3Uf cé]rt)eAt)i)A bA|t 3-cof A|i
bAjt 5-cun7U|' ; ^311^ bA Tt)-bA6 ] at) o]6ce XV^ ^']<^]^^V'^V)^)~
|*e beoc OficfA, a "pblDt), bo 5eubAit)t) ] ! )y iort)8A éiseAi)

|1|f 1*1 U feO biV OflCfA A3U|* A|l "pljlAtJIiAlb 6]fll0t)1) Ó\) 3-Ceub
IÓ CiVt)A3fA A b-'p]AT)UU|3eACC 3U|' At)]U, lt)A|l CUHXeA]*|*A
tT)0 CO|xp A3U]* tT)'At)An) A 3-C0T)CAbA]|tC A|t bO fOtJfA, A3U]'
3At) peAÍl ^Í0|t3|tíVT)A tT)A]l fO bO ÓeutJAtt) OJtlT). 2t)A]l At)

3-ceubt)A, If iotT)6A Iaoc le^brijeAc a5U]* 5Ai|*5]6eAc 3aIIac
3t)ÍTbeuccAC bo citic leACfA, A5Uf i)] biv 6ei]ieA6 6ó]b póf ;
^S^r ir S^'^H^V' "5^ b-c|0cpAi6 ^uArAjt é]3|t) A]t ai) b-'pé|t)i)
bob C0|f3, t)AC b-piv3pA]6 itjóftívi) fleAcCA Afi a I0113. 2l3iir
t)) cu |ré(t), A "pbli)'). ir pu^Aiit Mort) ; acc Oirji), Asuf
0|*3Ait, A3U}- ti)o cott)pai)ACA bjlj-e c^]]\]yo a|i ceubi)A.
2l3uf bjAiiife p^it), A Oil*]!), Ab CAllA]|to bell* i)a }^&|i)i)e,
A3Uf ]f* Tt)ó|t rt)0 6]C]*o 6u|c pof, A }-bit)i)."

2lt)t) fit) A bubAijtc Oi-3A|t, " A ■pbit)!)," A]i ye, " 3]oi)

1 i.e. The passions and treaclicry of Fionn liad caused the death of
many of his own warriors.

* Diannuid propliecied rightly, the Fenians were crushed at the Battle
of Gabhra. See Transactions Vol. I. ; also CaVojo Oirji) A V-^Wt V-)*
Féji)t)e.

' CAlU)tte .V boUrsAino t)ó v<i»^1^ 5»\Tl"^^- T. Connell's Ir. Diet. MS.
There is also a Terb cAlUin;, to call, of whicli the old form would be

101

"World, and we tbng-ht together ; and I touk his head from
him, and made slaughter of his people, and brought it
[the «head] even to the Bruighean of the island where
the king of the World was enjoying drinking and pleasure
with the three kings of Innis Tuile by him. I took their
heads from them, and put them in the hollow of my shield,
and brought the jewelled golden-chased goblet, being full
of old mead, pleasant to di'ink, wliich was before the king,
in my left hand. Then I wrought sharply with my sword
around me, and came by virtue of my fortune and of my
valour to Bruighean an chaorthainn, and brought those
heads with me. I gave thee the goblet in token of slaugh-
ter [i.e. victory] and of triumph, and rubbed the blood of
those three kings to thee and to the Fenians, as many of
them as were bound, so that I restored you your poAver
over the vigor of your hands and the motion of your feet ;
and had I asked a drink of thee that night, Fionn, I
would have gotten it ! Many is the strait, moreover, that
liath overtaken thee and the Fenians of Erin from the first
day that I came among the Fenians, in which I have pe-
rilled my body and my life for thy sake ; and therefore
thou shouldst not do me this foul treachery. Moreover,
many a l)rave warrior and valiant hero of great prowess
hath fallen by thee,' nor is there an end of them yet ; and
shortly there will come a dire discomfiture upon the Feni-
ans which will not leave them many descendants.^ Nor is
it for thee that I grieve, Fionn ; but for Oisin, and for
Oscar, and for the rest of my faithful fond comrades. And
as for thee, Oisin, thou shalt be left to lament' after the
Fenians, and thou shalt sorely lack me yet, Fionn."
Then said Oscar, *' Fionn, though* I am more nearly

cAltJAiH), probably from the Danish kjalde. Many Irish words resemble
English words of the same meaning, though clearly not derived from
them, e.g. ttob, a road, which is explained in Cormac's glossary.
* Here 5]op 50 is not negative.

102

5UH poi^r*? rvo 3A0I buicfe it)i\ bo Dbi^XfirDuib O 'Db"lt»r)e,
1JÍ léi5peokb loAc 5^?; beoc bo CAb^itic bo í)biA|irnu|b ; a5u|*
bo be]fi]rT) njo bji|ACAft le||*, ba n}-bA6 AOt; pti]oi)i)|*A ]*At)
borb<vt) bo óemjfrAÓ a leicéib |-it) b'^e^ll Aji í)biAjtrDiiib O
*t)biM'i'iS' t)AC iiAcpAÓ Af Acc 3]ó b& Asu^ope bu6 c|ie]re
li^ri), A5up CAbAifi beoc 611156 5At) rtjoill. "

" H] b-Aici;i6 ÓArbfA cobA|t aji b|c a|i ai) n)-hG\i)t) yo,"
}io ^i\]6 'Plow. "Mi píojt fio," A]t ÍDiAiinjuib, " ói|i t)]
fu]l ACC ijAOi 5-cé|rTjeAT)T)A uAjc AT) cobAjt jf ^reinftji T^ioft-
uirse Alt bic."

JAji X]t) cejo pioDt) b'iot»'?r^l51^ ■At) cobAiit, a5ui* jto
có5Aib líxr) A 6ív bAi* le]f bor) u]|*5ej acc v'] njó ]í)'o. Icac
fll^e bo Ti^li)13 ■<'^') "^111 ^o lé|5 fé At) z-u^y^e cjie d-a
bAfA^b vjo]*, Ajuf ito iW]]" t)iv|t ^eub at) c-u]f5e bo ca-
bAiftc |tii*. "4Do bei|iimre rr>o bftiACAjt," aji í)iA]trT)uib,
" 5U|t bob 6eo]i; ^rei») bo lói5if uaic é." í)o cuAjb pioijr)

AJt CeAJJt) Al) Ul|*5e AT) ACUAlJt, A5Uf i)i n)Ó 11)^ AI) ^Ajb

ceubijA civii)i5 At) CAt) bo léi3 c]\é t)-A bAfAib é, a]i ftrju-
Ait)eA6 60 Alt ^bji^iwe. 2li)f) i-p) 110 CA|iitAii)5 í)|AiiTT)U]b
o|*t)A6 bocc eu5corblAii)i) a5í^ ^Aic|*|t) |*jt) bo. " í)o bei|i-
]n)\-e tt)o b]t|ACA]t a b-piAOtjAjfo rn'o^p^rv,' *50 iiívjó Op5A|i,

" tDUl)A b-CU3Alil A luAf AT) C-U|l-5e |tIOC, A pblOI). 1)AC

b-i;iii5pAi& At) cuIac yo acc cufA t)ó tt)ife." <t)"p|ll piot)!)
At) c|teAf peACc A|t At) cobAji bo b|cii) At) corbttiv]6 |*(t) bo
flS'ie OfSAit leir, Ajur CU5 At) c-ujrse ]Mr 5° i)lAIti»ni|b,
A5UV A5 ceAcc bo 1<xca]]i bo |to |*5Afi ai) c-ai)atd |ic coLviDi)
<t)blA|ttDubA. 2lt)T) fp) |to có5bAbA]i AI) bftot)3 f]i) b'pbl"

AI)1)Alb GlftlOI)!) bo bj bo laCAffl C]li C|l0Tt)-5i\|tCA AÓbAÍ-

' Edmund Spenser says of the Irish, " Also tliey use commonly to
Bweare by their swords." — View oj the Slate of Ireland.

* The common tradition amongst the peasantry is, that Diarmuid slew
the boar without himself receiving a hurt, that he then took off the
hide, and as it lay extended on the ground that Fionn bade him measure
its length. This Diarmuid did by pacing over the skin from the head

108

nkin to tliee than to DiarmuidO'Duibhne, I will not suffer
thee but to g-ive Diarmuid a diink ; and I swear, moreover,
that were any [other] prince in the world to do Diarmuid
O'Duiblme sucli treachery, there should only escape which-
ever of ns should have the strongest hand, and bring- him
a drink without delay."

" I know no well whatever upon this mountain," said
Fionn. " That is not true," said Diarmuid ; " for but
nine paces from thee is the best well of pure water in the
world."

After that Fionn went to the well, and raised the full of
his two hands of the water ; but he had not reached more
than half way [to Diarmuid] when he Jet the water -nm
down through his hands, and he said he could not bring
the water. " I swear," said Diarmuid, " that of thine own
wall thou didst let it from thee." Fionn went for the water
the second time, and he had not come more than the same
distance when he let it through his hands, having thought
upon Grainne. Then Diarmuid hove a piteous sigh of an-
guish when he saw that. " I swear before my arms,"' said
Oscar, " that if thou bring not the water speedily, Fionn,
there shall not leave tliis tulach but [either] thou or I."
Fionn returned to the well the third time because of that
speech which Oscar had made to him, and brought the water
to Diarmuid, and as he came up the life parted from the
body of Diarmuid.^ Then that company of the Fenians
of Erin that were present raised three great exceeding loud

to the tail, but Fionn then asked him to measure it again, in the con-
trary direction, and it is said that in walking against the lie of the bris-
ties his foot was pierced by one of them, and that he died of it. It is
singular that Diarmuid na m-ban should have met his death by the same
beast that slew Adonis, whom he may be said to represent in Irisli le-
gend. The same tradition prevails in the Scottish Highlands. "Vide
the Gaelic poems on the deatli of Diarmuid printed by Smith and Gillies.

13

ni4

ri)ótiA ó|* 'A]it> A3 cA0|i)eA8 ^bbiA]ttT)u&A U] ^t)buibi)e. A^UJ'
b'peuc 0|*5ATi 50 fíocTÍ)A|i peAfi3Ac A]i yh}OVV, <^3"r IT ^'^
fto ]ii\]6, 30 m-bAÓ Ti^ó Ai) r3í'll*^ ^D|A]trT)iiib bo ho\t Tt)A|ib
)\)ix eii-eAi), A3u|- 3uit cAilloAbAji Piaj;i)a 6i|tioi;t) a 3-01111)3
CACA bí\. CO] 1*3.

21 bubATitc "pioijr), " ^'0,-^h^rn Ai; cuIac |-o a^i eA3lA 30
Ttí-beuTtpAÓ 2lou3ur Au b|to5A A3ur 'Cuaca <t)é «Da^atji)
0|t|tuiT)i); A3u|* 3101) 30 b-puil cuib Asuior) bo njAjtbAb
^})]'«i-[in)a'OA, T)í njóibe bo seubAÓ aij píixiijije uaiud." " )]'
bltlACAlt bATT)l*A," A|t Oi*3Ait, " bív b-iieAi^pAi w^e 3UltAb
|ie b-A5Ai6 í)f)iAitrt)ubA bo lil5t)i|* feAls beii)T)e 3"lbAii),
T)AC r)-bioi;3At)cíx í 30 bjiAc." 2lt)i) i-it> ito sluAH* "pioi)t)

A3U1* plAUÍ^A felltl01)T) Ót) CIiIa15 A11)AC, A3UI* cú iDfjI^^I^"

n)ubA -1. 2t)AC At) Cbuill A Uirb "pbiw; A3ui- b'^ill On-p).
A3uf Of3Aii, A3U1* CAOilce, A5U1* n)AC Lui3ÓeAC ca^ a
i)-Air, A5U1* 110 cuiiteAbAn a 3-ceiciie biiuic A b-cirT)Cioll
C)blAitn)ubA, A3UI* 110 3luAii*eAbAii |ion)pA a b-'í^icle i*ii) a

Mí b-Aicitii-ceAit A i)-in)ceAccA 30 itai)3AbAit Rívc obpívn)-
1)6, A3U1- tio bív '^)\ix-\\)])e Aii)u|3 itorrjpA Ajt rbuitcAib ai)
ttívcA A3 |:uiiieAC iie |-3eulAib í)blAitn)ubA b'^^sAil, 30
b-^reACAib f]or)n ^3111* 'piAi)t)A &iiiioi)r) A3 ceAcc cíiice.
2li)T) riD A bubonic '^]iix]\)\)e, bív tuAHtpeAb í)iAitn)uib i)AC
A Uiri) pbl')') ^o bjAÓ 2t)AC Ai) CbuiU A3 ceAcc boi) bAilo

' Sgeile, pity. This word having become obsolete the people have
supplied its place by sgeul (a story), which is not very dissimilar in
sound, so that they say ir njofx aj) r3cut é for ]r tijóft ai) róéjle é, which
phrase is literally introduced by them into English, viz. " that is a great
story," i.e. pity. Another curious substitution of a living for an obsolete
word of like sound but different meaning, is to be found in tlie sentence
Ata a fhios ag fiadh, wliicli must have originally been Ata a fbios ag
Fiadha ; Fiadha meaning good God (.1. foóiA according to an old glossary,
vide O'Keilly). But as this word has been long disused it is now con-
sidered by the peasantry in the above case to hefadh, (a deer or stag),
the sound of botli being identically the same ; and they sny that the

1 \):>

shoutá, wailing for Diariuuid U'Diiibhne, and Oscar luoked
fiercely and wrathiully upon Fionn, and what he said was,
that it was a greater pity' that Diarmuid should be dead
than [it would have been had] he [perished,], and that the
Fenians had lost their main-stay in battle^ by means of him.

Fionn said, " let us leave this tulach, for fear that Aon-
ghus an bhrogha and the Tuatha De Danann might catch
us ; and though we have no part in the slaying of Diar-
muid, he would none the more readily believe us." "I
swear," said Oscar, " had I known that it was for Diar-
muid [i.e. with intent to kill Diarmuid] that thou madest
the hmit of Beann Gulbain, that thou wouldst never have
made it." Then Fionn and the Fenians of Erin went their
ways from the tulach, Fionn holding Diarmuid's staghound,
that is, Mac an Chuill, but Oisin, and Oscar, and Caoilte,
and the son of Lughaidh returned back, and threw their
four mantles about Diarmuid, and after that they went
their ways after Fionn.

It is not told how they fared until they reached Eath
Ghrainne, and Grainne was before them out upon the ram-
parts of the Eath, so that she saw Fionn and the Fenians
of Erin coming to her. Then said Grainne, that if Diar-
muid were alive it was not by Fiomi that Mac an Chuill

original sentence was ata a/liius ag Dia (God knows) ; but that to avoid
profanity /iat^A is used instead of Dia, (the only difference in the sound
of the words being in the first letter, so that the meaning of the asse-
veration is still plain). This phrase also they actually translate into
English, saying — "The deer knows" for "God knows," or as it is
wrongly spelled by novelists who do not understand what they write
about, " The dear knows." There are many more curious Gaelicisnis
in the English spoken by the Irish peasantry, even in districts where the
Irish has been longest extinct, which it is well worth while to note and
explain while the Irish is yet a living language; for when it dies, much
that may be certainly pronounced upcm now will be mere conjecture.

* Literally, their joke of battle, i.e. the warrior who kept them to-
getiitr.

19G
fo; A^ur ]]' ATT}Uió ]io h'A '^]i\}\)r)e v\i) c|i^c y]\), c<xobc[iott)

CO|t|lAC, A^Uf JtO CU|C fi CA]l It)Ú|lCAlb At) ftíVCA AHJAC, A5ll|-

bo |tii3 I*! c|lI^|l ri^AC itjAjib aji At) l^cA]yt fit). 2lt) uAin
bo coi)t)Aiiic Oirit) 3iiC\]r)i)C A|t At) tt)o8 y\\), jto cui)i |*é
)^]Ot)r) A5ii|* "piADDA 6irx|0i)t) ót) UcAin; ASm' A5 pí\5bí\jl
i)A U\ic|ieAC b"pl)ioi)i) A5uf b"'pb|At)t)Aib B||iiot)i) ]to có-

3'<'^lb ^I^^lOi^e A CeAt)l) f UAf A5U|* jtO jAftlt Ajt pbjOt)!) 2t)AC

At) CI)uiU b'^íi5bív]l A]ce ]:é|t). 21 bubAi|tc i)AC b-riobiiAÓ,
A5ur t)iv|i rbóft leif At) rt)&ib |*|t) b'oi5|ieAcb iv]c U] ^\)u-\h-
1)6 bo he]t A]5e péin. 2lit t)-A clof |'|i) bo 0]\'\}), |to bA]t)
At) CÚ A|* \ii]n) fl)]Vn A5U|* C115 bo 3bftAii)i)e i, A5up no
leAi) péjt) A it)U]i)C]it.

2lt)t) fit) ]to bA OCAjib le 3l^i^l')i)e bivf 't)blA|ttt)ubA,
ATjui' |to I&15 fi ^ijeAtt) fAbA fioitciiuAJ Aii*be, 50 n)-bA6
clof f ÍV ]rT)ciAt) At) bAile ] ; a^ui- civit)]5 a bAt)t)CfiACc A^uy
A iT)uit)ciit 0]le bo l<\cAi|i. Ajuf bfiAf-'itiq^ 6] cjteub bo cui|i

At)t)f t)A l)-At)l)ftACCAlb fH) i- O'lt)!)^' '^]\:\]\me 6ó]h JUftAb

é í)lAiiti)uib bo CAiUeAÓ |ic cone beit)i)e 3iil-bAit) bo coifj
I*e]l5e pbini) W]C- C\)un)^]ll, *' '^5u]* if CIU1A5 ]ien) citoióe
Véit)," Aft 3t^^1')')(^< *' 5<^') n^é ioi)cort)ftAC |te 'pioi)t), Ajuf
b<v tt)-biAit)t) t)AC léi5t:it)i) flat) Af Ai) UxcAjit &." 2I1V t)-A
clof f At) ho tT)uit)ci]i 3bn^\1UT)o bAf í)blAIltT)ubA, ]to 1^15-
eAbAft iT)Aii At) 5-ceHbi)A z\i] citort)-5í\ítcA A^Orbeile cii)Ci6o
AfbA tt)A]t AO!) ]te ^I'^I')'^*^» 5"!^ •^'^'^r ^ t)eulAib t)iit)e,
A3Uf A b-f nicib t)A fioftfT)Aitt)oii)ce i)A citorf)-loif5i)e f|i);
A5Uf At)i) fit) A bubAiitc '^\iix]\)i)e ]i]y i)A CÚ15 ceub bo
ceA^Uc 110 ba Aice, bul 50 beit)i) 3"lbAit) A5iif copp
'DblAiirt)ubA bo CAbAific cúice.

)f Í fi!) uAiii A5Uf AitDfiit bo poiUfijeAÓ b'2loi)5Uf aij
bii05A *DiAitn)uib bo beic tt)Aitb a rt)-beit)i) ^hI^JAId, om
1)1 itAib cóitTjeub A|5c Ain At) oi8co itO|tt)e fn); ATjuf bo
5luAif A 5-con)AOii) i)A jAOice 5lAi)-fUAifte 50 itaii)i3
beAi)i) 3iil-bAii) A i)-í'ii)feACC ]xe Tt)uii)ciit 3bM^lU')<í J ^5»f

197

Avould be held coining' to this place ; now Grainne was at
that time heavy and pregnant, and she fell out over the
ramparts of the Eath, and brought forth three dead sons
upon tlie spot. When Oisin saw Grainne in that plight he
sent away Fionn and the Fenians of Erin ; and as Fionn
and the Fenians of Erin w^ere leaving the place Grainne
lifted up her head and asked Fionn to leave her Mac an
Clmill. He said that he would not give him to her, and
that he thought it not too much that he himself should in-
herit so much of the son of O'Duibhne ; but when Oisin
heard that he took the staghound from the hand of Fionn,
gave him to Grainne, and then followed his people.

Then Grainne was certified of the death of Diarmuid,
and she uttered a long exceedingly piteous cry, so that
it was heard in the distant parts of the Rath ; and her wo-
men and the rest of her people came to her, and asked her
what had thrown her into that excessive grief. Graiime
told them how that Diarmuid had perished by the wild boar
of Beann Gulbain, by means of tlie hunt that Fionn Mac
Cumhaill had made. " And tndy my very heart is grieved,"
quoth Grainne, "that I am not myself able to fight with
Fionn, for were I so I would not have suffered him to leave
this place in safety." Having heard that, the death of
Diarmuid, they, too, uttered three loud, fearful, vehement
cries together with Grainne, so that those loud shouts were
heard in the clouds of the heaven, and in the wastes of the
firmament ; and then Grainne bade the five hundi'ed that
she had for household to go to Beann Gulbain, and to
bring her tlie body of Diarmuid.

At that very time and season it was shown to Aonghus
an bhrogha that Diarmuid was dead upon Beann Gulbain,
(for he had had no watch over him the night before), and
he proceeded, accompanying the pure- cold wind, so that
he reached Boaun Gulbain at tlie same time with the people

108

eA&A|t eAfJCAOlO A f51AC An7AC T17A|t COTT}A|tCA fíOCCÍXtjA,

A5ur b'A]ct)]5 2lot)5ur lAbrAt). 2ltjt) ri'Jj n^^^n Ti^^5<^^<^T»

A|l AOT) UcA^fl A5 bejlj») 3lllbA1t), JIO CÓsbAbAJt p&]U A5U|-
njUjOcni 2lot)5Uf A Cpi C]10TD-5iV|tCA A6bAl-rt)Ó|tA UAcbiV^-ACA

ój- co]ip iDbiAjinjubA, louijuf 31111 clof a tjeuUib ijeitrje,
Ajuj* A b-p|tiqb i)A b-p}Oitrt)Ain7e]r>c r)-Ae|tcA, A5uf A
Ti7-beAt)i)Aib fléjbe, Ajuf a t)-0)leivi;Aib tt^AjiA, a5u^ a
5-cói5eA8Aib Qy]\x]o\)\) A|t ceubi)A.

2li)tj nu bo UbAiit 2loi)5Uf, Asuf if ^ V^ T^^l^ = " Ni
■pAbAf Aot) ojoce |t]ATb Ó |tu5A]* liort} cu 50 bjiu^ yA BójnDe
A 5-ceAi;i) bo t)AO| rt)io|*, i)ac n)-biA]t)t) bob fíA|ite A5uf
bob pío]icóin}eub A|t c'eAr5CiVT|ib]b suf A]iéT|i, a i)blA|t-
mu^b Ui 'Dbuibue ! ^5111* ]|* cftuAs At) ^caU bo T\]p)e *piot)t)

OflC CA|t ceAIJI) |*ÍOCCÍVT)A tllf." 3^ T)-bubA]|1C At) Iao]6 ]*o

rior:—

" T^jtuAj, A 't)b]A1iT)iM^ U] t)bu|^e,
A 6eiib-5loit) ■^ecd-hix]r);
r|iuA5 bo C)iú ^ríxb civil,
bo qoftbAb cftu bo co|vpiv]t>"

" r^fiuA5 p]ACA|l t)iri)e cu|fiiT)t) cu]ftc,
^^uAjtA]]* f5ArA6 5euft cftoti) C|i|c;
ói; rT}eAt}5AC, n)AlA|tCAC, itjeAblAC,.

* * # *

"Jf cU\|CU|rt7 fio ciiAib i)A ci)eA6A]b,
of ]tixc pblUU pUAl|t Ab|tAt)UA15;

cojtc beit;i)e 3iilbAit) 50 t)5Al,
■jto clivcui5 i)]Aiitr)iiib beAlb-5lAi>.

» That is, the wrong side, or inside, the shield being of wood or wicker
work covered outside with leather.

Js mairy a dhuisyeadh rtiinn bhttr h-aisitli,
Nu fhianndadii taobli ascaoin hhur cleoca.
Woe to him who should rouse the edge of your enmity,
Or turn out the wrong side of your mantle.
{Praises of the Mac Donnclh of Scotland, hy Ian Mac Codruin.)

199

of Graiime ; and -wlien Grainne's household knew Aonghus
they held out the rough side' of their shields in token of
peace, and Aonghus knew them. Then when they were met
together upon Beann Gulbain, they and the people of Aon-
ghus raised three exceeding gTeat terrible cries over the
body of Diarmuid, so that they were heard in the clouds
of the heaven, and in the wastes of the firmament of the
air, and in the provinces of Erin likewise.

Then Aonghus spoke, and what he said was : " I have
never been for one night, since I took thee váúi me to the
Bnigh of the Boyne, at the age of nine montlis, that I
did not watch thee and carefully keep thee against thy
foes, until last night, Diarmuid O'Duibhne ! and alas
for the treachery that Fionn hath done thee, for all that
thou wast at peace with him." And lie sang the following
lay :—

'' Alas, Diannuid O'Duibhne,

thou of the white teeth, thou bright and fair one ;
Alas for thine [own] blood upon th}^ spear,
Tlie blood of tliy body hath been shed."

" Alas for the deadly flashing tusk of the boar,

Thou hast been sharply, sorely, violently lopped off;
Through the malicious, fickle, treacherous one,

Numb venom hath entered his wounds.
At Rath Fhinn he met his death ;
The Boar of Beann Gulbain with fierceness,
Ilath laid low Diarmuid the bright-faced.

* This line is wautiug in all the copies which the Editor has seen. The
last two lines of this stanza refer to Fionn.

201)

CÓ5CAÍI l|b ^DiAiirtMM^ A|iiT)-5L\i) ;

5ur At) n)-btiu5 iv'V) iV-ho]]i]\)\) to-buAi;—

V] llPr) V^C ClllTT)t)eAC C0ri)C|lllA3. " T^ltUA^.

21 b-Aiclo T)A lAO|óe x]\) fio ^iApjiuis 2101)5111- &o cc^sUc
3brií^T)Ue c|xeub é ai) coiys pa a b-cíxDSA&Aj» A^i At) UcA^i
]•]!). 2i bub)tAi>A]i 5U|tAb Í 5^<^ini;e ]\o cn]]x Aft ccAi)t)
ciiifip í)bl<^P»DiibA ^Ab, b^ biie^c cúice 30 }ií\t ob|tí\ii;i)e.
21 bubAijtc 2loi)5uf i;ac léi5T:eAÓ fé péiij copp <Db|AfitT)ubA
leo, Asm* 50 tD-beuíipAÓ le]r Snf ^^n n)-b|tii5 óf Bóit)t) 6 :
*'2l5uf 6t)AC b-péibi)i Ijort) a A]cbeo6A6 A|iíf, cu]|t|:eAb
AijAit) At)t) Aji coji 50 n)-b]Ai6 A5 UbAiitc \]on) 5AC lív."
21 b-Aicle n» c»]iieAr 2lot)5ur ion)CA]t pat) 5-coítp a
i;-c]l]oc|tort) ópÓA, a5u]« a f-leA^A ói* a c]Oi)t> At)í\]ftbe,
Ajuf ito ^luAif itoitije 50 íxívii;i5 bjtiij t)A Bóit;t)e.

jOftjcúrA reA5lAi5 'S])]i<\}\me, b'piUeAbAji cAft a t)-An*
50 Rívr 5bT»^1i)V0, A5ur ]to itjrjfeAbAji r)AC léjspeAb
2loi)5u|- cojip *t)biAitir)ubA mu, A5ur 5071115 ^ép) leir é 5u|-
At) tt)-bpu5 ó\- Bó}t)i) ; A5ur A biibAiitc '5]x'<x]vr)Q t)Ac |iA)b
i)eA|tc Aice tréii) AHt. 21 b-A^cle fl') cui|t 5l^<^1f)i)e reAf-A
A5ur ccAccA A|i ceAt)t) A c[o]X)})e 50 cjiiucA ceub CbojtCA
Uí í)biM^^^» "^^T^ ^ t^AbAbAH bíx leAfu5A6 A5uf bív lívtt)-
CA0rbt)A6; A5iir ir AtÍ)lAl6 jlO bív AI) clAt)T) i-ji) <DblAlttT)UbA
A5ur bi<x6cAC A5 5AC tt)AC bjob, A5Uf rn]C Ó5IAC A5U|'
b|ui5Ai6coA& A5 vofjUAii) 6ó|b, A5ar |io bA c|tiucA ceub A5
5AC n)AC bíob. 'Doi)t)cbA6 tt)AC «DblAjinjubA Uj *DbiMbi)e,
10tt)0it]t0, Ai) rt)AC bA f*eit)t)e bjob. a5U|- ]]• bo bo 56|llibí]-

1)A It)ACA Ollc .]. 60CA16, Coi)t)lA. SeilbfeA]tCAC, A5U1*

' Aonghus meant to say that he had the power of animating Diar-
niuid's body for a sliort period eacli day, but not to revive him perma-
nently.

' Oyluclt originally nieiuit a youth, and then came to signify a retain-
er or attendant, (of. the nieaninji ol' Giolla). The word is nov- pro-

201

" [Raise ye] fairy shouts without gainsaying*,

Let Diai'muid of tlie bright weapons be lifted by you ;
To the smooth Brugh of the everlasting rocks —
Surely it is we that feel great pity." Pity.

After that lay Aonglius asked the household of Grainne
wherefore they were come to that spot. They said Grainne
had sent them for the body of Diarmuid to bring it to her
to Rath Ghrainne. Aonghus said that he would not let
them take Diarmuid's body, but that he would himself bear
it to the Brugh upon the Boyne ; " And since I cannot
restore him to life I will send a soul into him, so that he
may talk to me each day."' After that Aonglius caused
the body to be borne upon a gilded bier, with his [Diar-
muid's] javelins over him pointed upwards, and he went
his ways until he reached tlie Brugh of the Boyne.

As for Grainne's household, they returned back to Rath
Ghrainne, and they told how Aonghus would not let them
bring the body of Diarnmid, but that he himself had taken
it to the Brugh upon the Boyne ; and Grainne said that she
had no power over him. Afterwards Grainne sent word
and messengers for her children to the cantred of Corca
Ui Dhuibhne, where they were rearing and protecting;
now those children of Diarmuid had a Biadhtach each son
of them, and sons of Oglachs*^ and of Brughaidhs serving
them, and each son of them had a cantred. Now Donn-
chadh the son of Diarmuid O'Duibhne Avas the eldest son
of tliem, and to him the other sons were subject, that is,
Eoehaidh, Connla, Seilbhsheareach, and Ollann the long-

nounced Ó5IÍXC, and modern scribes most commonly write it o^Iaoc,
considering it to be derived from Ó5, young, and Uoc, a warrior. How-
ever, the last syllable would appear rather to be a personal termination,
as in eachlach, (a horseboy), and it is not accented in the spoken lan-
guage in Gitlloijlacli, (a (JiiUowglass).

OlUyi) ulc-pA&A TTjAC í)bl*lift)»í><^ •!• nJAC 10311)6 |ti3 1,ai-
5eAi); A5iif x)]o]i wo re^nc a3u|- ]oi)r)mi]i)o 3bli^iwe
bAOo &u]r;e t>i>, cIoitjtj pé]T) iijív bo OlUot). Fo sluAifiobAii
t)A ceAcrA iA|t f]r) 50 ■fti^r)3AbAit At) iv]c ]i)a itAib t)A rt)ACA
nt), Asuj- iT)t)ní5 A b-coi]-5 ^3"r ^ b-cujtm- boib Ó cull* 30
beifieAÓ; A3uí* A5 sluAifCACc bójb rrjAiUe |ie V]o\) a b-ceA3-
Ia)3 A3U|* a b-c]Oi)ólcA, |io friApftui5eAbA|i a t)-AOf 311^16
6iob cfteiib bo &eut)pA]bi|* ^e^t) 6 bivbAjii-AT) A3 bul A
3-ceAt;t) C03A1Ó A3uf cóiTÍ7f3leo |ie f]Oí)í) t^ac CburbAill
A3u|* ]te p)Ai)t)Aib Q>]\i]ox)\). 21 bub<vi|tc í)ot}t)cbA6 njAC
í)b!A|in)iibA U] i)bu|bt)e inu AUArbAio A|i A i)-i)t]cib ]:é]v,
A5u|* bid i)-beut)pAibi|* pé]i) fíc |ie "piotjt) T)iv|t bA05Al bojb-
^-eAT) Aot) i)]6; A3uf rt)ut)A r)-&eui)pA|bif, a lt03A C|3eA|ii)A
bo be|c ACA.

Ko 5lHATf|0bA|l T)A W'SC-X ]"]]) A3llf A rnn]\)C\]l ]l0tt}pA A

i)-AC3<V]|t|b 3ACA coi;A]|ie, asuj- ij] b-A]cfi|i*ceAfi ]-5eului3-

CACC OppCA 30 |ViKr)3AbAll Rive 3bTt^l')T)e, A31H* ]X0 fiOA|l

3n<^IUi)e pío|iCAOii) i-'Ailce |tort)pA, A3in- CU3 PÓ3 A3iir
^ívjlce bo rbAC ]\)'^]f)Q ]ii5 I.AJ50AI): a3U|* |to cuA6bA]i le
cé|le AfceAC 30 H'ac 3bl^^It)t)e, A3u]* ]to f'ui3eAbA|t a|i
fleAfAjb i;a itio5bpu|3t)e bo ]xé]]i a D-uA^fle, A3U|- a t)-AC-
a]i6a, A3iif A0|fe 5AC t)-Aoi) biob; a3U|^ |to bii]leA& meAÓA
X^]rve yoc^]tn)e, A3U|- leAi)i)CA |té]6e |to rbilfe óófb, A3Uf
beocA 5A|tbA 5AbAlcA a 3-coitT)A]b CAOttjA curT)bu]3ce, 5ufi
bA Tr)eif5c njoi8i|t-3ló|iAC ]Ab ai) c|iivc fii). 2l3u|* at)T) y]ij
bo lAbAjfi '^]^^]^)\)e bo 311c Afibtboiv f'oluc-3lAi;, A5Uf ]]• é
]to iiídió : "21 cIai;)!) |oi)i;ri)uii), ]to iDA^ibAO bA]t u-ACAnt
le pior)t} tbAc CbiubAiU ca^i ceAiji) cojt A3it|* co]x)^]M a
X]otci\\)^ ]t]Y, A3uf* b]03lAi8rc 30 tt)A]C ai|i é ; A3uf A3 |*úb

bA]l 3 CUlb b"0|3|lCACC bA]t 1)-ACA|t/' Aft]*], " .]. A AJjltT),
A3U]* A éjbCAb, A311J* A ]0l]:A0bA]t, A311]' A cleA]-A 30]lo

' Lionn. This word now means ale, as beoir does beer ; but what
drinks they originally stood for it is not easy to say. Tradition says
that tlie hvtter was a delicious drink wliicli the Danes brewed from the
tops of lieatlicr, and tliat their two hist survivors in Ireland, father and
son, died rather than reveal the secret of its preparation.

203

boarded, the son of Diariniiid, that is, the son of the
daughter of the king of Laighean ; and Grainne bore greater
love and affection to none of her own children than to 01-
lann. Those messengers thereupon went their ways until'
they reached the place where those youths were, and they
tell them the cause of their journey and of their coming
from first to last ; and as the youths were setting out with
tlie full number of their household and of their gathering,
their people of trust asked them what they should do since
their lords were now going to encounter war and perilous
adventure with [i.e. against] Fionn Mac Cumhaill and with
the Fenians of Erin. Donnchadh the son of Diarmuid
O'Duibhne bade them abide in their own places, and that
if they made peace with Fionn their people need fear no-
thing ; and if not, to choose wliich lord they would have
[i.e. to side with Fionn or to adhere to their o^^vn chiefs as
they pleased].

And no tidings are told of them until they reached Rath
Ghraimie, and Grainne made them a gentle welcome, and
gave a kiss and a welcome to the son of the daughter of
the king of Laighean : and they entered together into Rath
Ghrainne, and sat at the sides of the royal Bruighean ac-
cording to their rank, and their patrimony, and according
to the age of each one of them ; and there were given them
mead mild and pleasant to drink, and well prepared very
sweet ale, and strong fermented draughts in fair chased
drinking homs, so that they became exhilarated and mirth-
ful-sounding. And then Grainne spoke with an exceeding
loud and bright-clear voice, and what she said was : " dear
children, your father hath been slain by Fionn Mac Cumh-
liaill against his bonds and covenants of peace Avith him,
and avenge ye that upon him well ; and there is your por-
tion of the inheritance of your father," quoth she, " that
is, his arms, and his armour, and his various sharp weapons,

204
A5UC 50 rtj-bAÓ f-our) caca ójbj-e A b-fiv5Ail. 2l5Uf b^Ajo

A5AtT7 pé]U tM CUACA, A5Ur 1)A CU]|«), A5Ur UA b-eAytCflA]6e

iJ^llue óytcuit)bu]5ce, a5u|* t)A buAift, A5uf ua bócívirjce 5A1)
]iO|i)))." 3o D-beivnitijA At} Iaoi» fo T-jor : —

" 6111516, ^ clAtji) «DbiAjirnubA,

&e]r)i6 bA]! b-pojluin) h-]:e]C]n);
50 iD-bAÓ fotjA 6ib bA|t t>-eAcc)tA,
civiDis cu5Aib rseulA beij^nt."

" 2lp cloiÓeAtb bo <t)boi)i)cbA6,

Ai) njAC 11* i:eivnii A5 í)iAiirTju(b ;
A5u|* At) 5A bcAit5 A5 6oca6,

A 5-CeAIJO 5 AC A fOCA1|l CIA5Alb. "

" Bein A lúi|teAC UA]rr) b'OllAUU,

fliVt) 5ACA COlip IDA ItACAÓ;

A5Uf A fSiAC bo CbouuÍA,
bot) CÍ coysbAf i;a caca."

"Ha CUACA A5llf t)A CUlflt),

i;a co]>Sx]}) A5U|* ija b"e<^T'ci«<'^6A ;
Aii*5e nji;^ 3AI) biiiSe,

blAlb A5AtT) Ulle Art) A0t)A1t. "

" íít)A]tbAi6 Ti)u^ A511}* TT)ioijbAOii)e,
All olcuf |ie bA]i rt)-bio6bAib ;
ija beiui8 peAll it;iv n^eAbAl,
boii)i6 bOAbAÓ A5uf irpceAcc." 6111516.

' Cuach, a goblet. This word has been introduced into English by
the Scotcli in the lorni <juaii//i.

2 i.e., and let me see the fruit of it.

2 i.e., you have heard the fame of your brave ftither.

* The words cuacli, corn, and copan #rc still used, but carchru is ob-
solete.

205

and liiá feats of valour and of bravery likewise. I will
myself portion them out among you, and may the getting
of them bring you success in battle. And I myself will
have the goblets/ and the drinking horns, and the beauti-
ful golden-chased cups, and the kine and the cattle-herds
undivided," And she sung this lay as follows : —

" Arise ye, children of Diarmuid,

[Go forth and] learn that I may see ;^
May your adventure be prosperous to you.
The tidings of a good man have conic to you."'

" The sword for Donnchadh,

The best son that Diarmuid had ;
And let Eochaidh have the Ga dearg.
They lead to every advantage."

" Give his armour from me to OUann,

Safe every body upon wliich it may bo put ;

And his shield to Connla,

To him that keeps the battalions firm."

" The goblets and the drinkmg horns.
The cups and the bowls ;"*
[They are] a woman's treasure Avithout thanks,
I alone shall have them all."

*' Slay ye women and children,'
Through hatred to your foes ;
Do no guile nor treachery.
Hasten ye and depart." Arise.

* Yet the Irish appear to have considered it disgraceful to kill a
woman, for a poet says in his panegyric on the Ultonians : —
•' Ni ftettTjrAC bAtj-eccA bAt),
SlUA5 ert)i)A, Ainecc UIa6."
The host of Emania, the host of Ulster,
Have never committed woman-slautjihter. (C ofMafih Ratlr.)

206

21 l)-s\iclo 0* UojSe y\t) a bubAiitc ^M^ItJOe |i]u irrjceACc
A5uf A b-|:o5luin7 50 njAic a 5-co,i\fibA]b 50ile A5Uf 5A|f5e
50 TT7-bA6 iT?|:eAÓrT7A 1AÍ5, A5Uf reAl &ÍV i)-A]n7rUi i^o CAic-
eATT) A b-T:ocAiii Bhoicix\\) .]. 5AbA iptiirjtj.

Ho 5luATi"iobA|i r)A fteA^rbACA y]i) cunj a i?-A]|-biji. A^up
ce]leAbftAib bo "Shl^'^V^V^ <^5"r ^^ ccasIac, a5U|- p<x5bAib
]orTjcon)Ai|ic beACAÓ ASuf ]*la]T)C6 A]ce, asui* |to cuiiteAbAjt
At) ceubi)A leo : A5UI* r)']0]i y:^T,h<\b<<\\ cu|tA6, 5Air5]6eAc,
pit bAT;-5Aif3iÓeAC a 5-C|iiocA|b ]n7C]Ai)A ai) bonjAii;),
Vi^]x CAiceAbAji ]-eAl bis, i-)-^]n)]']]i ]t)A b-pocAiji aj bouijAiij
A b-po^lunjcA 50 ro-bAÓ p^^eAÓnjA ]Ab, A5Uf bo bivbAjt cfij

bl|A6Al)l)A A b-pOCA]It Bbolci^ll).

jonjcúf A "pfjjT)!), iA|t rrj-be]C beAjtbcA 5U|i ]rt)C|5eAbA|t ai)

cIaT)!) f]t) 'DblAIUrJUbA <^\t At) GACCftA f]!), |tO IjOI) |-é b<v

b-puAC A^uf bik, i)-]tr)eA5lA 50 n)ófi; A3Uf ]X]y x]i) ]io cuiyt
ciott}fii5A6 A|x f'eACc 5-cACi\|b i)a ^iJ^l^^l'éiijuo Af 5AC
iv^jtb A iiAbAbA]t, A5U]* A]i b-reACc Aji Aor) ^cai|i bó|b ]to
IWir T'l^DT) i>o 3»c iv|ib f*oluf-5lAij bóib b^^l ai) oAccpA
l^lt) cloir)ue t)b|A|in7ubA U] 'iDbwibtje ó cú|f 50 beijteAÓ,
Ajup b'piApttuij 6íob C|teub bo óeuupAÓ ii^nje f pj : " 0||i
If A|t CÍ bibpe||t5e bo 6eiu)Arb ojtrtjfA po cuAÓbAji Afi Ar)
eAccjtA úb." Ko lAbAijt On'jT), A5UI* ]]• é ]to ]»A]6: " Nj
ciot)r)rAC AOi) biqtje |t]|* y]]j acc cu írél", A5ur V] lt<vcpA-
rt)AO]bi)e A5 feA|*Atb ai) joirb i)ac i)-beiv|t|xt;ArnA]i. A^iq' ||*
olc Aij peAllbo insr))]* A|t 'DblA|in)u]bO 'Dbii|bue z'a\\ ceAiji)
fioccixijA, Asm* Co|trT)AC A5 cAbAiiic A lusiue oile 6uic caji
ceAijt) 3AT) ^aIa ]r)'<\ n^iofSAif bo be]é A3Ab|-A yi\ coibAni
't)bl<^nn?ii^'A — bo ]iéi|t rt)A|t cu]]X]y aij bAjH f|ieAt;c yo]^) ]. "

' Here the reader has no difficulty in recognising Vulcan, altliough
his name is adapted to tlie Irish alpliabet and pronunciation.

* It is impossible to say whether these female warriors, who are fre-
quently mentioned in our tales, are mere efforts of imagination, or
wlietlier in remote times Bome women really did devote tiieniselves to

íi07

After that lay Graiinie bade tliem depart, and learn care-
fully all practice of bravery and of valour till they should
have reached their full strength, and to spend a portion of
their time with Bolcan, that is, the smith of hell.*

Then those good youths betook them to their journey,
and they take farewell of Grainne and of her household,
and leave them wishes for life and health, and Grainne and
her people sent the same Avith them : and they left not a
warrior, a hero, nor a woman-hero'^ in the distant regions
of the world, with whom they spent not a portion of their
time, learning from them until they attained fullness of
strength, and they were three years with Bolcan.

Touching Fionn, when it was certified to liim that those
children of Diarmuid were departed upon that journey, he
became filled with hatred and great fear of them ; and
forthwith made a mustering of the seven battalions of the
standing Fenians from every quarter where they were, and
when they were come to one place Fionn told them with a
loud bright-clear voice the history of that joumej'' of the
children of Diarmuid O'Duibhne from first to last, and asked
what he should do in that matter: " For it is with intent
to rebel against me that they are gone upon that journey."
Oisin spoke, and what he said was : " The guilt of that is
no man's but thine, and we will not go to bear out the
deed that we have not done, and foul is the treachery that
thou didst shew towards Diarmuid O'Duibhne, tliough at
peace with him, when Cormac also would have given thee
liis other daughter, that so thou mightest bear Diarmuid
no enmity nor malice — according as tliou hast planteil the

arras. The romance called Oileamhain Chongcullainn, or the rearing of
CuchuUainn, tells us that that warrior spent when a youtli a 3'ear under
the tuition of Duireann, daughter of Donihnall king of Alba, or Scot-
land.

208

Ba Cll||lf'ev\C "pIODD Ó t)A bfHACflAlb f|I) 0|f*il). 751&OAÓ l)]0\t

b-f:^ibi|i \o\y cof5 bo cii|i ai|i.

Ob coiKMiiic 'p]Oi}t) 5mi cftéi3 Oirju, A^ur Of^An, -x^ny
cl<vr)r)A B<\on'5pe A|i coubijA é, |to ]*rnuA]t) tua Tt)eAi)n7Aii)
^6]T) t)AC b-ciocpAÓ ]t]f At) c-]n)f^]orh \']\) bo co|*5 njiujA
b-ci3eA6 fx]f 3r*^l')')f Í50 bfteujAÓ, a3U|* a b-^icle ^-p) ^lo
cuA|6 jAt) ^lOf 3AI) c&]leAb|iA6 b"pblAUUAib 6i|tiout) 30
Five 3bfii^ini)e> ^3"!* beAr)T)U|3eA]* 30 céiUióe cli|-be nji-
l]|*-bfi|ACftAC 6]. Mi CU3 '^]iix]]jr)e ao] jda Aifie óo, A3Uf
A bubAijic ]i]x A iiAOAjtc b'^^3b<x]l, a3u]* |to léi3 a ceAt;3A
liorbcA liv]t)3euit pAO] u]n) At) An) f |r). "^cc ceAi)A, ]io ba
)^lot)i) A3 3Abiv]l bo rbilir"^1M<^^T^<^1^ ^5"r ^^ con)jii\)6cib

CA0It)e CA]tCAi)T)ACA U]|llte, 30 b-CU5 A|t A CO^l pe]!) ] ; A3Uf

bo |tu3 leii* 3U|* Ai) ]on)6Ai6 La cóin)T)eAf*A 60 í, 30
r)-bcív]t|ti)A cojl A ]i)cit)i)e A3uf a ri)eAi)n)Ai) |i]a. 21 b-A^cle

f]1) |t0 sllVA]]* 'plODD A3ur 3n^1i:"?e |10tt)pA, A31H' 1)1 1)-Aic-

■|t||*ceA|t f3oiilui3eAcc 0|t|tcA 30 ^<vi)3AbA|t "pjAUUA 6111-
10t)D; A3ur A|t b-pAicf]!) pblW A3u|- 5b|tivii)t)e pi\i) coicpt)
fit) ba i)-]ot)i)rAi5i&, ]to léi3CAbAfi aoi) ^<\]1} r515^ ^5"!*
fot)ATT)Aib ^íúice, 3U|t c|toii) 3|^^l')i)<^ A ceAtjt) ^e T)v\iito.
" ^Da|i lit)r)e, A f\)]m," Aji Oii*it), " có|ti)eub}.*A]ii fviU

5n^it)t>e 30 tt)Aic A|- ro x^h"

joti)CÚf*A cloit)t)e í)})]A|trt)ubA, CAyt 6i|* I'CAcr tt)-bl|A6-
Ai)i)A bo cAiceAti) A3 f03lii]tT> A t)3A|]*3e, civi)3AbA|i aj-
cpiocAib in)ciAi)A AI) borT)Aii) n)ó]]i, Ajiif* t)) b-Alé|in*coAii
A r)-irt)ceAccA 30 |i<M)3AbATi Ri\c 3bli^I')i)í>. Ob cuAlAbAji
3U|i oului5 ^]\ix]t)\)e ]ie pjotjt) ri)AC CburbAiU 3At) cciloAb-
|tA& 6ó|b pc'ii) ]t)i\ bo J113 6]|i|ot)i), A bub|iAbA|i i)ac jiAib

t1)A]C ATJI). l3o CUAObAjt A })-^]tle ]']\) 30 l)-2llti)ll|1) I-A13-
eAt) A 3-CeAT)t) pblT)!) ■<V3Uf T)A ^0)1)1)0, A3UI* b'puA31tAbA|t

CAC Alt 'pblotJU. " ^miS» ^ *t)bl0|t|iuit)3, A3U|« f iAi:itui3
6iob cyteub at) n)éib iA|i|tpAib n^^-" ^f'l^ 't)l0IM*"nJ5
Ai)t) I'll) A3m* b'p|A|:)iu|3 fejobfAi). " Coub |:eAit A t)-A3Aib

At) irifl A3lllt)t;, t)ó C0tb)tAC AO)t)pI|l." Ho cum 7^101)1) CtMlb

209

Oiik so bend it thyself. " Fiunn was grieved at those words
of Oisiii, nevertlicless lie could not hinder him.

When Fionn saw that Oisin, and Oscar, and all the Clanna
Baoisgne had abandoned him, he considered within his own
mind that he would be unable to crush that danger if he
might not win over Grainne, and thereupon he got him to
Rath Ghrainne without the knowledge of the Fenians of
Erin, and without bidding them farewell, and greeted her
craftily, and cunningly, and with sweet words, Grainne
neither heeded nor hearkened to him, but told him to leave
her sight, and straightway assailed him with her keen very
sharp-pointed tongue. However, Fionn left not plying her
with sweet words and with gentle loving discourse, until he
brought her to his own will ; and he had the desire of his
heart and soul of her. After that Fionn and Grainne went
their waj^s, and no tidings are told of them until they
reached the Fenians of Erin ; and when they saw Fionn
and Grainne [coming] towards them in that guise the}- gave
one shout of derision and mockery at her, so that Grainne
bowed her head through shame. " We trow, Fionn,"
quoth Oisin, " that thou wilt keep Grainne well from
henceforth."

As for the childi-en of Diarmuid, after having spent seven
years in learning all that beseems a warrior, they came out
of the far regions of the great world, and it is not told how
they fared until they reached Rath Ghrainne. When they
had heard how Graimie had tied with Fionn Mac Cumhaill
without taking leave of them or of the king of Erin, they
said that they could do nothing. After that they went to
Almhuin of Laighean to seek Fionn and the Fenians, and
they proclaimed battle against Fionn. Rise, Diorruing,
and ask them how many they require," [said Fionn]. Then
Diorruing went and asked them. " [We require] an hun-
dred men against each man of us, or single combat," [said
14

2U)

bo corbnAC ]tiu, A5U|- jij^ii (lAnjAbAn 30 Uc^iji ai) coii)-
Uitjr) ]•]!) céiÓjb t)A n)ACA f ii> vuca, cfijOCA, ^5111- civitfA, A5Uf
|ti5t)eAbA]t c]ti CAi|ti) bjob .]. catii? biv 5-ceAi)i)Alb, cAiitj
bii 5-co|ipAib, A5u|* cA|ii) biv 5-ciiib A|tn) A5uf e^bio. " N]
buAi) ATI T-luAisce," ATI f]Ot)D, " n^iv TÍ7A|ibcA|t ceub |-ai) l6
Ojob, Ajur qteub bo ÓeuijpATt) t^^u fiit), a 3bni^ir)r)e?"
" KAcpAb]-A b^ T)-ior)t)]-Ai5i6," Afi ^T^^lUUe, " b'^eucA]!) ai)
b-qocpAió ÓATT) i-iocc^]!) bo CA]titAiT)5 eAbjtuib." " Bu6
tijAjc l]oii)rA fT?/' ^T^ Pl^Ui), " Asuf bo beuitpAiTjr) ^AOiitfe
6óib A5uf biv i-liocc 50 h]i<\t, Ajuf ^orjAb a i;-aca|i a
b-'p|Ai;i)ui5eAcc, A5Uf cu]]i Ajuf cgat^uca it]f |*it) bo cottjAll
bóib cjié bjc f]o\i."

'Cé]6 5lt^liJi;e biv tMor;i;|-Ai5i6, A-^ny -p^ilcijeA]* |torDpA,
A5Uf bo CAi|t5 i}A CAi|t5|*ioi;i;A |teuri}]t^]6ce óóib. 2lcc
ceAtjA, ]to CATt|tAii}5 5r^^1':":'c y]otcíX]X) eArojtyiA piv óeoij,
A5uf bo jtAbAÓ t)A cu]|i A5Uf ijA ceAi)i}CA 1*117 bó]b, Asm*

bo puA]tAbA|l ]0T)Ab A T)-ACA|l A b-p^ATJiJUlJeACC Ó "pblOW

rbAC CbuTbAiU. JA^t |*]i) 710 b<\ileA6 pleAÓ A5u|- peuj-bA óóib
5U|i bA iT)e]]*5e iije]6]ft-5ló|iAC jAb, A5u|* b'^*Ai) T-iotji) A5uf
5TiiV]t)i)e A b-pocAjfi A céjle 50 b-puAjtAbA|i hixy.

OOtjA Í i*]t) cóftu|5eACc ^DbiA]tTT)ubA A5U]* 3blti^1D»)e 50-

' Such is the invariable ending of an Irish story, and this closing sen-
tence is very useful in closely written manuscripts where stories are

211

they]. Fionn sent an hundred to fight with them, and
when they had reached the place of that strife those youths
rushed under them, through them, and over tliem, and
made three heaps of them, namely, a heap of their heads,
a heap of their bodies, and a heap of their arms and ar-
mour. " Our hosts will not last," said Fionn, " if a hun-
dred be slain of them each day, and what shall we do con-
cerning those [youths], Grainne ?" "I will go to them,"
said Grainne, " to try whether I may be able to make peace
between you." " I should be well pleased at that," said
Fionn, " and I would give them and their posterity freedom
for ever, and their father's place among the Fenians, and
bonds and securities for the fulfillment thereof to them for
ever and ever."

Grainne goes to meet them, and gives them a welcome,
and makes them the aforesaid oflers. Howbeit, Grainne
made peace between them at last, and those bonds and se-
curities were given to them, and they g-ot their father's
place among the Fenians from Fionn Mac Cumhaill. After
that a banquet and feast was prepared for them, so that
they were exhilarated and mii'thful-sounding, and Fionn
and Grainne staid by one another until they died.

Thus far, then, the Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne.*

■crowded together, often without any heading, for determining where
one tract ends and the next begins.

)^^3t)2l)l Crí2lOjBI)6 CI)OR2t)2ljC '2^\))C 2l)nZ.

62lCt)r tj-ATjn biv |xAib Coji-
Tr>AC n^Ac 2l]|tc Tt)ic Cbuiw
ceubCACAi3 -1 . ivi|ife]ti56i|tioi;t),

A \.]^i^]lU]n), jto COr)T)AlflC Al)
C-AOO Ó5IAC A|l ^AjCCe A ÓÚ]IJ,

A5uf cjiAob fo]t)T)eATÍ7Ail f]5e
]t)A \!x]n), A5U|* t)AO] r>-ublA
beA|t5-6ifi u]]i|te. 2l5uf ^^ b-^
beu]* r)A citAO]be |'ii), Ai) rAi>
bo c|to]cf'eA6 i:)eAc í 50 5-coib-
eolAbAoii* pi]t 5oi)CA A5u|* muiv
|te T)A0i6eAt)Aib le Ti05A|t ai)
ceoil p]|\bit)t) c-|*i5e bo CAijAbAOif 1)A b-ublA
7*It), A5U|*. |io h'<\ heay e^le A5 ai) 5-c]tA0]b x^x)

.■\. T)AC frT)UA|T)eOCA6 tjeAC Ajt CAÍATb b]C, b05|tA,

Itjiv boiTr>eAi)n)i)A at^cat) bo cjxoicpibe Ai>c|iAob
flT) bo, A5uf 5AC olc bA b-pui5eA6 ijgac aji
bjc i)AC 5-ciiirbueocA6 A]|i aji citocAÓ t)A
CfiAOjbe.

21 bubAi]tc CofiroAC |x]f ai) Ó5IAC, " 2lf) leAc
peji) AI) c^tAob ]-]!) ?" '' )f l]on) 50 beiibin,"
A]i Ai) c-Ó7;Iac. " 9l\) ]tc]c\:eix ] ?" Aii Co|i-
n}AC. '• ^Do |ieicKii;i)," a)! aij C-Ó5IAC, " ofii

t)] ]tAlb AOI) l)|6 |l|ATt) A5Arn 1)AC ]teicp]t)t)."

1 Such frequent mention liaving been made in the tale of Diarmuid
and Grainne of Corniac, the son of Art, and of the Tuatha I)e Danann,
it has been thought as well to print here a story in which king Corniac

HOW CORMAC MAC AIRT GOT HIS BRANCH.

F a time that Cormac, the son
of Art, the son of Conn of the
hundred battles, that is, the
arch-king of Erin, was in Liath-
druim,^ he saw a youth upon the
green before his Dun, having- in
his hand a glittering fairy branch
with nine apples of red gold upon
it. And this was the manner of
of that branch, that when any one
hook it wounded men and women with
child would be lulled to sleep by the
sound of the very sweet fairy music
which those apples uttered; and another property that
branch had, that is to say, that no one upon earth would
bear in mind any want, woe, or weariness of soul when
that branch was shaken for him, and whatever evil might
have befallen any one he would not remember it at the
shaking of the branch.

Connac said to the youth, " Is that branch thine own ?"
" It is indeed mine," said the youth. " Wouldst thou sell
it?" asked Cormac. "I would sell it," quoth the youth,
" for I never had anything that I would not sell." " What

and the cliief of the Tuatha De Danann are the actors, especially as the
legend is too short to form the subject of a separate publication.

Cormac plays a prominent part in the early myths whicli have reached
u§ in the tales of the middle ages. The two following romances, of

214

" Cfieut) ]<vftttAf cii u|]t]ie ?" a|i CoftrtjAc " B|ieic njo
béjl ^í&li), ' A)i Ai) C-Ó3IAC. " i)o 5eubAi|t fiu uAirrji-e," Ajt
CojinjAC, " A5Uf AbA^n uA|C bo bfte]c." " í)o beAt), bo
rpAC, A^iif c']T)5]ot)," A|i AT) C-Ó5IAC, " .]. CA]|tb|ie, 2lilbc,
•^5"r ^ict;e." " i)o jeubA^ii ]Ab ]-|u u]le," a]i CojimAC.

JA|t fit) CU5 At) C-Ó5IAC At) C|lAOb UAl6, A5u|* be||tiO]-
Coitrt)AC ]X]Y bis c|5 peji) í 50 b-^ljlbe, 50 b-Cucije, A5Uf
50 CA]nb]ie. " jf ivlu]!)!) AT) cfeoib f]T) A5AC," Ajt Sl^lbe.

" Nj b-10l)51)<Xj" A|t C0|irT)AC, " Ó]|l ]y TT)A1C At) luAC CU5Af

ui|i]te." " Cjteub cu5A]|' u||tiTe t)5 A|i a yor)?" aji 2lilbe.
" CA]|tb|ie, 6ict)e, A5uf cufA ^é|t), a 2lilbe." " Jf c|tuA5
fp)," A]i 6ict)e, " óijt If b6|5 lit)t)e t)ac b-pu^l at) feub f^T)

AJl 6|IU1TT) CaItT)A1) A|t A b-C]ub|XÍV fltJT) féjT)." í)o be)|tiTt)
t1)0 b|t|ACA|t," A]t CojlTT)AC, " 50 b-CU5A|* A|l AT) feo^b fO

f )b." Ko Ipt) bo^iiA A5Uf boiTT)eAT)n)t)A jAb tda|i bViCT)]-
^CAbAfi 5u|t b-píojt Y]V, A5uf A bubAfiTC 6]CT)e, " )f |to

C|tUAl6 AT) CeAT)1)AC ]*]l)t) A b-C|TlA|l CA|l &lf AOT) CJlAOlbe
fAt) bori)At)." 21 !) UA^jt bo COT)T)AlftC Co]tTT)AC 50 ]TA]b

b05]tA A5U|* boiTbeAt)TT)t)A opitcA, c]\0]ieAy at) cjtAob eA-

CO|tilA, A5Ur TT)A|t bO CUAlAbAH ceol CA01T)b]T)t) t)A CitAOlbo

T)io|t ]*rt)uA]T)eAbA|i olc ii)iv irt)f't)iotT) a|v b|r biv b-puAiiAbAji

jljATi), ASUf ]tO sluAjfeAbAll |t0lT)pA b'lOt)t)fA15l6 AT) Ó51a]C.
" 2I5 ]•]!) bu|c/' A|t Co|tTT)AC, " AT) luAC b']A|t|tA|I* Ajl bO

c|iAO|b.'' " 2t)Aic bo coit)aI," A|i At) C-Ó5IAC, " A5ui* be]fi
biiAÓ Ajuj* bcAT)r)Acc Ajl TOT) c'TÍ|t]i)i)e;" A5Uf t^o Tix5Aib
^OTT)coift)e]]tc beACAÓ A'^uy Tliv]t)ce A5 Co|trt)AC, A5m* "[to

■\vliich there are extant copies of a considerable antiquity, but which are
themselves referable to a higher date, are worth publication, viz. —
5o]t)eATtjA]i) Cl}o]\n)A]c U] CFjujtjb, (The birth of Coruiac the grandson of
Cenn), and er.fjrpA Cbo]tnjAic ] Cfit CA]tttti)5ini, A5ur ceA]\z clAió|ti)
Co]\n)A]c, (The adventures of Corniac in Tir Tairrngiri, and the right
of the sword of Cormac). There is also a romance concerning an uncle
of Cormac, viz. ecl)citA CljoijblA tiuA|ó ri;]c Chii]')^ ceb cIjacíjais, (The
adventures of Connla Kuadli, the son of Conn of the hundred battles).
» Lialhdruim. This was the ancient name of Tcamhair, or Tara. It

215

dost thou require for it?" said Conuac. "The award of
my own mouth," said the youth. " That shalt tliou receive
from me," said Cormac, " and say on thy award." " Thy
wife, thy son, and thy daughter," answered the youth,
"that is to say, Eithne, Cairbre,i and Ailbhe." "Thou
shalt get them all," said Cormac. After that the youth
gives up the branch, and Cormac takes it to his own house,
to Ailbhe, to Eithne, and to Cairbre. "That is a fair
treasure'* thou hast," said Ailbhe. " No wonder," answered
Cormac, " for I gave a good price for it." " What didst
thou give for it or in exchange for it?" asked Ailbhe.
" Cairbre, Eithne, and thyself, Ailbhe." " That is a
pity," quoth Eitlme, " [yet it is not tnie] for we think that
there is not upon the face of the earth that treasure for
wliich thou wouldst give us.'" " I pledge my word," said
Cormac, " that I have given you for this treasure." Sor-
row and heaviness of heart filled them Avhen they knew that
to be true, and Eithne said, " It is too hard a bargain [to
give] us tlu*ee for any branch in the world." When Cor-
mac saw that grief and heaviness of heart came upon them,
he shakes the branch amongst them ; and when they heard
the soft sweet music of the branch they thought no longer
upon any evil or care that had ever befallen them, and they
went forth to meet the youth. " Here," said Cormac,
" thou hast the price thou didst ask for this branch."
" Well hast thou fulfilled thy promise,"^ said the youth,
" and received [wishes for] victory and a blessing for the

means the druim or ridge of Liath, who was the son of Laighne leathan-
ghlas.

1 i.e., Cairbre Ljffeachair.

* Seoid, a treasure in tlie sense of anything costly, rare, and valuable,
hence commonly applied to a jewel. Seod and seoid are poetical forms
of send, the first bein? masculine and the second feminine.

» Literally, good tlij- fulfillment.

216

3luA]r péit) A3UI* <\ cujbeACCA ]iO]nje. "C'a]!)]^ Co\xnjAC
b<x c|5, A-^uy Ap uAi|i bA cloy ai) fscul riP K^ ^]]^]Vi) ^o
TtjjTjeAÓ 5ív|tcA n7Ó|tA 5U1I A^\iy eu5CA0ir)ce At)n 5AC iv||tb
li)i;ce, A3ur a L|Acb|tuirtj 50 })-i<]-\iiv]^te. Ob cuaIaió

C0|tn7AC 1)A 3iV|lCA TDÓ|tA A &-'CeAri7|tA13, C|t01ceA|* A!)

CfiAob eAroft|tA, loutjuj* t)ac itA^b b05|tA ^ijiv boirheAijnjDA
^oji ueAC 6iob.

i)o n^Aji y]^ Afi peAÓ r)A bl|AÓt}A ^]\}, 50 i)-bubA]Ttc
CoiinjAC : " BliAÓAit) 5af Ar)|U3 |tu5A6 n)0 beAi), njo ttjac,
A5uf tvo iT)5]or) uA]nj, A5u]* IcAUpAb lAb ]y ao 5-cot)Aifie
5-ceubt;A iDAjt ^AbAbAji."

2lT)t) rit) T^o 5I11AH' CoftiDAC jtoiri^e b'iotjt^i'AiJiÓ jja flije
A b-peACAi6 AT) C-Ó5IAC A5 5Ab^il, A5Uf |to éi|\i5 ceo
boilbce bjiAOjOeACCA óo, aju]* civjtlA a njivjj ]ot)5Ar)CA]5
eu5f Arbv\il é. )|* ArblAjO ]io bi\ At; rbi^5 f Jt?, A5uf ti^Ajtc-
f-liiA^ ioi;5Ai)CAC AObAl-rboji atjij, aju}* ]y \ obA]|t |to 5^
ojipcA .1. C15 A5ÍV cui5eA6 aca bo cluib eui) Allrbu|i6A; A5Uf
AX) UA^ii bo cui|tibi|* cui5e Aft leAc At) cjse, bo sluA^fibif
bo lAitfiAjO clúiTT) eui) cun) t)a lejce o]le, A5uf At) leAc Aft
A 5-ciiiiiibir cui5e boi) q^, t)] b-pui5bir aoi) ituAfwe Aift
A5 ceAcc bóib AyC]y. 2l|t n)-beic aca ^AbA bo Cbo|in)AC
A5i\ h-ye]t\ovo a]x ai) ótibu5A6 |*]t), if é a bubAijic : " Nj
bci6 xx)'e t;í biif pAfbc bo bAji b-pe|C|orb, ói|i A]Ct))5irt) 5u-
|iAb é y\x) bAjt b-pejotT) 5 cuij- 50 befiieAÓ ai; bOTpAjt)."

• Cui5eA6, the verb, comes from the substantive cuise, which occurs
in this seutence, and of which the ancient form was cujse, perhaps from
the same root as the Latin tego.

* The Cunsnetudinal Past, as it is called by the Irish grammarians,
reads strangely in Englisli in the above sentences, where however the
tense could not be otherwise rendered than by periphrases of various
kinds, such as, " They continually went off," " They kept going off,"
&c. The English, however, do not always, even by this method, ex-
press the continuity or repetition of an action, leaving it to be under,
stood; but the Irish, having special tenses, present and past, for the

217

Bake of thy truth ;'" and he left Cormac wishes for life and
health, and he and his company went their ways. Cormac
came to his house, and when that news was heard through-
out Erin loud cries of weeping and of mourning were made
in every quarter of it, and in Liathdruim above all. When
Connac heard the loud cries in Teamhair he shook the
branch among them, so that there was no longer any grief
or heaviness of heart upon any one.

He continued thus for the space of that year, until Cor-
mac said, " It is a year to-day since my wife, my son, and
my daughter were taken from me, and I will follow them
by the same path that they took."

Then Cormac went forth to look for the way by which
he had seen the youth depart, and a dark magical mist rose
about him, and he chanced to come upon a wonderful mar-
vellous plain. That plain was thus : there was there a won-
di'ous very great host of horsemen, and the work at which
they were was the covering-in' of a house with the feathers
of foreign birds, and when they had put covering upon one
half of the house they used to go^ off to seek birds' feathers
for the other, and as for that half of the house upon which
they had put covering, they used not to find a single fea-
ther on it when they returned. After that Cormac had been
a long time gazing at them in this plight he thus spoke :
" I will no longer gaze at you, for I perceive that you will
be toiling at that from the beginning to the end of the
world."'

purpose, are very careful in making tlie distinction, wliich they attempt
in English also.

3 This might be translated "I perceive that you have to toil at tliat
from the beginning to the end of the world," which would read better,
and give us to understand that Cormac took these people for the victims
of magic who had been there since the world began. But the sentence
most probably has the same meaning as the end of the next paragraph,
and " beginning and end of the world" are used vaguely to express long
duration.

218

5bluA]feAí* Co|injoic ]io]n)e, Ajuf |io bív A3 ]*iubAl atj
njACAjpe, 50 b-f:eACAi6 Ó5IAC 101)5 aijcac AllrrjuftÓA A5
flubAl Ai; rbui5e ; A5Uf ]|- (» p<v obAiyi bo, cjiadt) rtjoit A5ÍV

CA|t|lAlt)3 Ar At) CaIatT) 60, A5ur |tO bttlfCAÓ ]ti\\l boi)t) A3U|-

bív|t|i é, A3U|' feo 30106 ce]i)e njófi be, A5Uf bo cé|6eA6
pélT) bo iA|tftAi6 c|toii)t) oile, A3uf at) cat) bo q3eA6 Ajtír
i)í b-pii|3eA6 Aoi) cuib boT) ceub cftAi)!) 5AI) b05A6 a5u|*

CAIceATÍ) Ajt A C101)t). Ro bíV CofttDAC AlTDHTl iniC^At) A3ík

freiciOTT) A|t Ai) óítbu5A6 |*(t), 30 t)-bubAi]ic : " Jrt)ceocA&
^é]T) uA^cfe peA]*bA, ói|i bív Tt)-bei6]i)r) co|6ce A5 fe]ciori)
Ofic bob ] y]i) bo C]tíoc bui)Ai6."

^bO'bAf CofltDAC 1A|1 flD A3 flubAl AT) TT)U]3e, 30 b-pCA-
CAIÓ C|VÍ C10bftA]be A6bAl-rt)ÓftA Ajl CAob AT) TT)ACA1]te,

A3uf if ATt)lAi6 \\o bívbAft T)A cobA^jt X]r), A3Uf r|tí c^t)!)

At)1)CA. í)btlUlb CoitIt)AC |t|f Al) ClobjlAlb píV T)OA]*A 60

bíob, A3Uf Ai) ceAT)i) |io bív ^at) ciob|tA]b f]ij, ]f atí)Ia|6
|io b^, A3u|* |*|iuc A3 bul TT)A beul A3ttf 6a fftuc A3 bul Af

T)Ó UAl6. ^bluAll'S^'^r CoftTDAC 3U|* AT) bAjtA C^obflAlb,

A5Uf ]y Art)lA|6 |xo h!\ ai) ceAijt) bo bí^ fAT) ciob|iA]b fii),
A3U|* |*|iuc A5 bul AT)i) A3uf fjtuc o]\e A3 biil a|*. oblnAif-
eAf 3uf Ai) c|teA|* ciobiiAjb, A5Uf ]y ArblA^S |io h'A at)
ceAi)t) |io bív |t)i)ce |*]i), A3iq* c]ií f|TOCAT)i)A A3 bul ]r)<\ beiil,

A3U|* AOT) C-|*|tlIC ArbiV.]!) A3 bill Af*. Ko 3Ab 101)3AT)CA1*

n)ó|t Co|tTT)Ac u]n)c y]^, ^'Suy a bubAi|tc : "Mi bei8 n)6
T)i buj* pAfbe bo bA|t b-f:eic]0iT), ó]]t v] b-fni|3ii)i) buit)e bo
lt)i)eofA6 bA|t |*3eulA ÓArb, ^3111- bAÓ 6Ó13 h*^"^ 3^ b-fu|3-
IDt) ciaU tt)aic 11) bA|i 3-cúi]'|b bí\ b-cui5pii)T) y]\)." 2Í3U|'

bA IjeOJI) bOT) IÓ AT) CAT) f]T).

^blu^ire^r 1^15 ^lí^lf'U') |ioiiT)e, A3Uf T)'\o\i b-|:AbA 60

'The recurrence of tlic word "plain" appears tautoloyous in tlie
translation, but tlie Irish has two syuonymcs, machuire and via</h. It
will be observed that the {icnitive case of the latter word, thougl» fcnii-
iiino, is here joined to the masculine article. This is frciiueutl}' the

219

Connac goes liis way, aud he was wandering over the
plain until he aaw a strange foreign-looking youth walking
the plain,' and his employment was this : he used to drag
a large tree out of the ground, and to break it between the
bottom and the top, and he used to make a large fire of it,
and to go himself to seek another tree, and when he came
back again lie would not find before liim a scrap of the first
tree that was not burned and used up. Cormac was for a
great space gazing upon him in that plight, and at last he
said, " I indeed will go away from thee henceforth, for were
I for ever gazing upon thee thou wouldst be so at the end
of all."

Connac after that begins to walk the plain until he saw
three immense wells on the border of the plain, and those
wells were thus : they had three heads in them [i.e. one in
each]. Connac drew near to the next well to liim, and the
head that was in that well was thus : a stream was flowing
into itft mouth, and two streams were flowing from or out
of it. Cormac proceeds to the second well, and the head
that was in that well was thus : a stream was flowing into
it, and another stream flowing out of it. He proceeds to
the third well, and the head that was in that one was thus :
three streams were flowing into its mouth, and one stream
only flowing out of it. Great marvel seized Cormac here-
upon, and he said, " I will be no longer gazing upon you,
for I should never find any man to tell me your histories ;
and I think that I should find good sense in your meanings
if I understood them." And the time of day was then noon.

The king of Erin goes his ways, and he had not been

case iu the best writers, e.g. m cot) for i)a cot), i.e. of the hound, {Fleadh
Dhuin na ngedh, p. 6) ; ci> and xMt^ are also found with the masculine
article in the genitive case.

220

A5 fjubAl 50 b-peACAjÓ píXJftC AObAltbOft UA^Ó, A3UI* C15

A|i lív|i t)A pívi|ice; A5u|* ÓjtuibeAf Co|trTjAC cun) at; ^56
30 D-&eACAi6 Avv, A3uf |to beAí;t)ui3 ^113 6i]tioTjt). <Do

^lteA3|tA&A|t líVIJATTJA ÍHjtÓACrA lol&ArAC |tO b<x Afcis ^*'-

A3uf A bubftAbAit p|ti|* oi|t]]*iOTÍ) bo 6euT)Afb, " 3l6b&

CU, A Ó51a]C, ÓI|t t)í C|tíVC C01]*15eACCA 6u|C AT)01]- é."

SbuióeAf CojtnjAc TDAC 2l]|tc iA|i fiTj, A3U]- pív n)A]t leif
AOi&eAcc T)<v b-oi^ce f]t) fc>'f;íx3ATl.

" 6i|ti3 A ^]|t Ai) ci3e," Aft Ai) beAi), " óift acíx beoft-
A]6e 3lérbA||*eAC it;ív|i b-pA|t|tA6, A5uf cív b-|:]Of bu^c tjac
bii|r)e uAfAl oi;óijteAc b'freAjiAib atj bori7A]T) é ? 2l3U]* rt^ív
cív p|tóiT;t) irjíx ronjAlcAr if Keívft|i jijix a c&ile A5AC, CU3-
cA]t cu5Am í." Fo éi]t]5 Aij C-Ó5IAC lATi ri'7> ^3iir ir
Ait)lA]6 c^]r)]5 |*é cucA, a3U|* rtjóiicoftc n^mce A]i a tt)u]I),
A3uf lofi5 ]t)A U]TÍ?; A3ur l&i3eAr ai) ttjhc asuj* ai; lo|t5
A|i líi]t, ASUi* A biibAi|ic, " 2I3 ]'ir) pCO(l A3A]b, A3U|-
bjiuic^b pé|r) ]." " C]o\)t)UY bo óeut;|rA]OT; fiu?" A]t Co|t-
rt7AC. " ^úir)peAbrA fjr) bíb," ajx at) C-Ó5IAC ; " .]. ai)
loft3 ^r)ó]^ |*]i) A3Att)|*A bo j-solcAb, A3Uf ceicjte cocca bo
beiiuArb 6], A3iir ceAc|tArbA ai; cu]|tc bo cu|t i^iof, a5ui-
ceACftATTjA i)A luijise bo cu]t pAO], A3u|* |*3eul ^'íne h']r)\)-
X\t), A5U|* bii|* bjuijcce ceACftArbA t)a rr)U]ce." " jr)T)]f pé]i)
at; ceub f3eul," A|i Co|trt)AC, " ó\]t bl]5ib at) b^f |*3eulA
pói; Aoi) bujije." " jf* ceA|tc bo lAb|iAj* cu," a|i at) C-Ó5IAC,
" A3U|* f (\oilittj 3U|iAb ú|tlAb|tA8 frlAice acív A3Ab, A3uf ]m-
eoj-Ab |'5eulA Óuic aji b-cú]r. 21); njuc y]r) cu3Ar lionj,"
A|t ]-é, " v'] b-puil Acc T*eAcc ttjuca ÓíobfAtj A-^Axt), a3U|*
bo biAÓpAiuu Au borrjAtj leo ; ó|ít ai) ri^uc bo TT)A|ibcA|i bjob,

> Literally, he saw from him. This expression the Irish introduce
into English, meaning that a person sees a thing at a distance, as if
stretched before him. In the same way they say "I saw him to me,"
i.e., approaching me.

' i.e.. Of foreign parts. Duine uasal, liere rendered a noble, does
literally mean a noble man, and was formerly applied to the gentlemen

221

long walking when he saw a very great field before him/
and a house in the middle of the field ; and Oormac draws
near to the house and entered into it, and the king of Erin
greeted [those that were within]. A very tall couple, with
clothes of many colours, that were within, answered him,
and they bade him stay, " whoever thou art, youth, for
it is now no time for thee to be travelling on foot." Cormac
the son of Art sits down hereupon, and he was right glad
to get hospitality for that night.

"Rise, man of the house," said the woman, "for
there is a fair and comely wanderer by us, and how know-
est thou but that he is some honorable noble of the men of
the world ?^ and if thou hast one kind of food or meat
better than another, let it be brought to me." The youth
upon this arose, and he came back to them in this fashion,
that is, with a huge wild boar upon his back and a log in
his hand, and he cast down the swine and the log upon
the floor, and said : " There ye have meat, and cook it for
yourselves." " IIow should I do that?" asked Cormac.
" I will teach you that," said the youth ; " that is to say,
to split this great log which I have and to make four
pieces of it, and to put down a quarter of the boar and a
quarter of the log under it, and to tell a true story, and
the quarter of the boar will be cooked." " Tell the first
story thyself," said Cormac, " for the two should fairly tell
a story for the one." " Thou speakest rightly," quoth the
youth, " and methinks that thou hast the eloquence of a
prince, and I will tell thee a story to begin with. That
swine that I brought," he went on, " I have but seven pigs
of them, and I could feed the world with them ; for the

of a tribe, the class between the chief and the plebeians; in the spoken
language it still means a gentleman, and a dhuine uasail is the equivalent
for " Sir" in conversation, not a shaoi, as is found in various modern
printed dialogues.

A5Uf* A ct)ívtÍ7A bo cu|i I'Ai) ttjucIac Aftif, bo 5eubcAii A[i
t)-A ti^ivjiAC beo |." Ro bA fio|i at» fseul f]t), vvsuf bA
bjtuicce ceAC|tÁTT)A ua Tt)u|ce.

" JT)!)!!* fseul Aijo^i*, A beAt) at) Cj^e," A|t at) C-Ó5IAC.
" jt)t;eot-Ab," A|i TÍ, " A5uf cui|t|*e ceACjtATbA ai) cu]|tc

IJOf, A5Uf CeACÍlATÍ7A l)A lui|l5e ^AOI-" t)0 jl^jljeAO ATT>-

Iai6 rii). " SeAcc m-bA ppW^ A5Art)fA," A|t ]•], " A5ur

liODAlb T)A feACC T)-bAbACA bo leArbuACc 3AC liv, AJUl* bo
be]]t|rt) n)0 bft]ACA|t 50 b-c]ub|iAbAO]]* a fit]c leArbu^ccA
b'^eA|iAib Ai) borbA]T? 30 }}-]on)llxr) biv rtj-be^bbfi* A]t at) Tr)i\]5
A5Í1 b-ól." Ba frioji AT) fjeul ^JT), A5Uf bA bjtuicce ceAC-
|tAn)A i)A TT)U]ce 6e f]T).

*'2t)ivf pioji bo bA|i f^eulAib," Aft Cojitdac, " ti* cu^a
2t)At)AT)ivT), A3uf ]|* Í ]*ii) bo beAT); ó]|i t)] i:u]l]ts t)a i*eoibe

|*lt) A3 1)eAC A|t Ó|XUltT) CaItT)AU ACC A3 2t)AT)AT)ai) ATt)ÍVn), Ó]]t

If 30 T^ífi 'CAT|t]ti)5i|te bo cuai6 ye A3 ]A|i|tAT6 i;a njijiv y]\),
50 b-puA^ji T)A |*eACC rr)-bA f^i) ]tiA, A3in* |to biv A3 ceAfAcc
oftjtcA T)ó 30 b-puAi|t piof A n7-bleAccA|f .1. 30 líor)pAbAO]|'
i)A fCACC i)-bAbACA A i)-é]t)freACc." " jf* 3|tit)i) ACiV]b
|'3eulA jtioc, A Ó3IAIC," Ajt |:eA|t ai) c^se, "A3ur ]\^V]T
^♦3eul ^^b ceACftATOAii) ^e^i) ATjo^f." " jyijeofAb," a|i Co^-
njAC, " A5u|* ciii]t|*e ceACjtATÍ^A i)a lu]it3e ^ívt) 3-coi]ie 30
V-vmvm rS^"^ PÍl^^ óuir." í)o iii3oeA6 att^IaiÓ i-^t), a3U]*
A bubAjitc Co|iti7AC, " )y A]t lo|i3AijieAcc Ac^irr) vé]T}, ó||i
bliAOAp) T^uy Ai;iu3 bo 7iu3a6 ttjo beAi), T170 tí^ac, a3ui*
tT>'itj3]0i} uAirr^." " C^A ]tu3 uA]c ]Ab ?" A^t |:eA]t At) ci5e.
" O3IAC cii]i;i3 C113ATT7," A|v Coftn^AC, " a3ui* cftAob y]-^e
]t)A li^\rv, AT^uy ]\o 3iti^6A|TA 30 rt)óit í, 30 b-cu3Af biteic
A bé]l yé]\) t)0 unt]te, a5ii|* |io bA^t) ti^o b|i|ACA]t bjor^j-A
f]i) bo cott)aI, A3uf 11* Í bftefC bo \iu-^yAv o\in) .]. njo be At),
«70 tT)AC, Asu]- rt)'it)3iot) .]. 6irt)c, CAntbyie, A3Uf 2l]lbe."

I ti^ i)\\u]n) t)A cAliijAp, literally, upon the back or ridge of the earth,
cliich Í6 tiie Irisii idiom.

223

pig that is killed of them, you have but to put its bones
into the sty again and it will be found alive npon the mor-
row." That story was true, and the quarter of the pig
was cooked.

" Tell thou a story now, woman of the house," said
the youth. " I will," quoth she, " and do thou put down
a quarter of the wild boar, and a quarter of the log under
it." So it was done. " I have seven white cows," said
she, " and they fill the seven kieves with milk every day,
and I give my word that they would give as much milk as
would satisfy them to the men of the whole world, were
they upon the plain drinking it." That story was true,
and the quarter of the pig was therefore cooked.

" If your stories be true," said Cormac, " thou indeed
art Mananan, and she is your wife ; for no one upon the
face of the earth' possesses those treasures but only Mana-
nan, for it was to Tir Tairrngire he went to seek that woman,
and he got those seven cows with her, and he coughed upon
them until he learned [the wonderful powers of] their milk-
ing, that is to say, that they would fill the seven kieves at
one time." " Full wisely hast thou told us that, youth,"
said the man of the house, " and tell a story for thy own
quarter now." '• I xaoII," said Cormac, " and do thou lay
a quarter of the log under the cauldron until I tell thee a
true story." So it was done, and Cormac said, " I indeed
am upon a search, for it is a year this day that my wife,
my son, and my daughter were borne away from me."
" Who took them from thee ?" asked the man of the house.
" A youth that came to me," said Cormac, " having in his
hand a fairy branch, and I conceived a great wish for it,
so that I granted him the award of his own mouth for it,
and he exacted from me my word to fulfill that ; now the
award that he pronounced against me was, my wife, my
son, and my daughter, to wit, Eithne, Cairbre, and Ail])lic."

" 2t)í)i|- y:]o]\ y\t) buic" Aft yeA]i At) ci5e, " )y cuf^ Co|t-
Tt)AC rr)AC 2l|Tic n)ic Cbu]i)t) cett&CAC<v]g." " )]" n)é 5Ó
beirt)|t)," A|t CofimAC, "a^u^ i|- A]t 10^13 tja ^eAÓtjA |*]T)
Aca^rn ATjoif." Ba ^io|t At) rS^iil ri'Jj ^5"r ^"^ btiu]cce

CeAC|tATT)A T)A n)U|Ce. " CaIC »0 p|tÓll)t) At)01f," AJt A1)
C-Ó5IAC. " f^]0\i CAléeAf bjAÓ |X|Att)," Aft C0|trt}AC, " A5Uf

5AU All) ^ocA]|i Acc biAf." " 2lt) 5-CA]cpea ]ie cjtjAft oile

Í, A CbOTttDAfC ?" A|l At) C-Ó5IAC. " í)íl TD-bAÓ fODlJibu^t)

l]on) ]Ab bo CAicp]r)t)," Afi CofirrjAC. Ho é]]i]-^ peow|i ai)
ci5e, A5Uf b'po|'5Ail bo|tuf i)a b|iu]5r)e f:iv ijeAfA 60, A5uf
CU5 |tif At) cit]A|t ]to h'A Co|irr)AC A5 TAit|tA]6, A5uj- |io éijtfs
Ti7eAt>rt)i;A A^uf rt)óftA]5i)e Cboiin)<vic Ar)t) f]i).

21 b-Afcle fit) civfufs 2l)Ai)At)i\i) it)A éeflb fép) cuijé,
A5u|* ff é A bubAiiic : " jf Tt)ife bo fiuj at) ritiAji j-jt) uajc,
A5uf If rt)é CU5 At) c]tAob f]t) bujc; A5Uf ]t* bob Cv\bAi|tt
bot) ceAC fo cu5Af UvVjc lAb, A5uf 5u|tAb é bAji n)-beACA

AT)01f, A5Uf CAfC bjAÓ," Aft 2t)Ar)A1)ÍM). " í)o 6eul)}:A)t)T;,"
Ajt C0firt)AC, " biV b-f:Uf5fT)T) p |0f T)A l)-f0t)5t)A& ftO COIJIJAftC

At)iu5." " <t)o jeubAfft," Aft 2t)Ai)At)ivt), " A5uf ff n)ffe
fto cufft Aft A 5-Cfor)i) cu bCv b-fiAfCffi) bufc, 2lt) ttJAfic-
f-luA5 bo cotjcAf biif c A5 cufseAÓ ai) cf^e bo clum i)a tj-eut),
Ajuf* ii)Aft bo cuffifbff cuf5e Aft leAC At) cfje fftj, é A3 bul
be, A5uf fAbfAi) A5 fAftftAfÓ cliiftr) eui) cutt) r)A cobA ofle —

bAflATTJAfl ffl) befftceAft bot) AOf f bilft), A3Uf bo luce f AflflCA

i;a f pfté ; of ft At) uAfft c&fófb Art)AC CAfcceAfi a nj-h] fi)A

' Faicsin, to see. This in the spoken language is feicsin, always pro-
nounced by metathesis feiscin or feii,cint. The Irish language at the
present day seems to luivi; a repugnance to the sound of tlie letter x,
(which is nearly represented by the combinations cs, gs,) as metathesis
generally takes place, e. g. bosga for bogsa, a box ; buiscui for bnicsin, a
boxing-glove ; foisge for foigse, nearer ; tuisgin for tuigsin, to understand;
tuisge for tuigse, the understanding; tuisgeanach for tuigseanach, consi-
derate ; but Sagsariach, an Englishman, and Sagsnna, England, are pro-
nounced Sasajiach, Sasana. This peculiarity is sometimes introduced
into Englisli by tliose who speak it imperfectly, and who may be heard
to sny eshkercize for exercise.

225

■" If what thou sayest be true," said the man of the house,
■" thou indeed art Cormac, son of Art, son of Conn of the
hundred battles." " Truly I am," quoth Cormac, " and
it is in search of those I am now." That story was true,
and the quarter of the pig was cooked. " Eat thy meal
now," said the young man. *' I never ate food," said Cor-
mac, " having only two people in my company." " Wouldst
thou eat it with tliree others, Cormac ?" asked the young
man. " If they were dear to me I would," said Cormac.
The man of the house arose, and opened the nearest door
of the dwelling, and [went and] brought in the three whom
Cormac sought, and then the courage and exultation of
Cormac rose.

After that Mananan came to him in his proper form, and
said thus : " I it was who bore those three away from thee,
and I it was who gave thee that branch, and it was in order
to bring thee to this house that I took them from thee, and
there is your meat now, and eat food," said Mananan.
'' I would do so," said Cormac, " if 1 could learn the won-
ders that I have seen to-day." "Thou shalt learn them,"
said Mananan, " and I it was that caused thee to go to-
wards them that thou mightest see them.* The host of
horsemeii that appeared'-' to thee covering in the house with
the birds' feathers, which, according as they had covered
half of the house, used to disappear from it, and they seek-
ing birds' feathers for the rest of it — that is a comparison'
which is applied to poets and to people tliat seek a fortune,
for when they go out all that they leave behind them in

* Do choncas, an impersonal verb, obsolete in the spoker. language^i
meaning it was seen by, it appeared to ; also, it seemed good or fitting,
like the Latin visum est.

* Baramkoil, tlie meaning of which is an opinion ; but it could jiot
have been so translated above, nor where it occurs in the following sea-
tences.

15

22G

b-c|^r|b bív t)-bé]f. ^juf ]|- j fji) a i)-3leuf &o fjoft. 2ti)
C-Ó5IAC bo coi)t;A|xcA]|* A5 ^Abu5A6 t)A te]])e, A^uf ]\o
bp(|*eA6 At) CTtAt)t) ib||i boi)i) A5HI' h'A]\]\, a5u|* ajív lo]|*3q

é At) VGAÓ bO bjOO At) C-Ó5IAC A5 TA|lflA]6 C|t01t)l) 0]le, ]|* é
A bAjlATbA^l y]V luce At) bjÓ bo CAbATItC AT17AC A5Uf cívc bív

ftiA|t, lAb iíé]t) bív oUrbu^AO bo stj^c A3Uf cí^c A3 T^^s^^l
A CAT|ibe. Ma qob^iAibe ]to cot)i)A|iCA]f itjA itAbAbAjt t)A
cjrjt), bA]tAtT)Ail fit) bo be]|tceA|t bot) cii]Afi Acív A]t At)
fA03Al. 2I3 fo TAb .f At) buioe beiji ai) ]*A03aI uaiÓ n)A|t

bO 56 [b, At) CeA1)t) f]t) At) AOt) C-|*ít0CA A3 bul At)t) A3U|-
AOl) C-fflUC A5 bul A]'. 2lt) CeAt)1) f]t) ]tO C0t)1)AllCA]|* A3Uf

AOt) c-f|tuc A5 bul At)t) A3U|' Óa fftuc A3 bul Af, ii' é A bA-
TtArbA^l y]v buit)e bo beift t)]o|* n)ó ua^Ó ]t)ít bo Je^b bot)

C-fA05Al. 2lt) CeAt)t) |10 C0t)t)A]tCA]f A5Uf Cflí t*ílOCAt)l)A

A3 bul ii)A beul A3Uf AOt) c-|*piic A3 bul ua)& .]. bii]t)e t>o
3e]b rtjóftíVT) A3ui* bo be^i beA3ívi) uaió, A3uf* ]]• é fit) }]•
n)eAfA bot) c|X|Aii. a3U|* ca]c bo p|tó|t)t) At)oi|*, a Cbofi-

rt)AlC," A]l 2t)At)At)ÍVt).

JA|t |*|i) |io fujó Coftti)Ac, CA]|ib|te, 2l]lbe, a3u|' 6>]ct)e,
A3UT' bo ciiiiteAÓ |'3óftAib ^tjA b-fiA6i)ui|*e. " )]• ii)A]c ai)
c-feo^b fiT) Ab ■p|A6t)uii*e, a Cbo|itt)Aic/' a|i 2t)At)At)ívt),
" ó]|t t)í fujl bjAÓ bív -peAbAi- jAjipAji uiitfie t)AC b-fu]3|:eA]i

3Ar) C0t)CAbA1|tC.'' " )f rt)Aic fit)," Ajl Co|trt)AC. 'CU3 ^Ajt
f]t) 2l3AT)At)ai) lívrb ]l)A C|ll0f A3U|* CU3 COpat) |tll*, A3llf |tO
CU]Il A^t A bAjf ^. " )y bO buAeA^b At) C0p<\]1) fO," A|l

2t)Ai)At)ívt), " Ai) CAt) Aic|tifceA|i fseul b|téi3e f ao] bo 31)18
ceiryte cobcA fee, A3ur At) cai) it)i)fceAii f3eul f]]te f ao]
be^fe flívi) Attíf." " <DeAnbcAit ni)," A|i Coiifi)AC. " <t)o
6eui)pA|t," Afi 2t)At)Ai)íit). " 2li) beAt) fo cu3Af fA uAicfe,
]to bív feA|t ojle Ajce ó cii3Af l]0ti) ]." í)o jti3i)eA8 ce]C]te

' This is the Irish mode of expressing " three classes of men that
exist.'

* i.e. who is liberal according to iiis means.

s This is a mode, and certainly a strong one, of saying " who is more
I'brral than he can afibrd."

2i?7

their houses is spent, and so they g'o on for ever. The
young man whom thou sawest kindling the fire, and who
used to break the tree between bottom and top, and who
used to find it consumed whilst he was away seeking for
another tree, what are represented by that are those who
distribute food whilst every one else is being served, they
themselves getting it ready, and every one else enjoying
the profit thereof. The wells which thou sawest in which
were the heads, that is a comparison which is applied to
the thi'eethat are in the world.' These are they : that is
to say, that head which has one stream flowing into it
and one stream flowing out of it is the man w^io gives [the
goods of] the world as he gets [them].* That head which
thou sawest with one stream flowing into it and two streams
flowing out of it, the meaning of that is the man who gives
more than he gets [of the goods] of the world.^ The head
which thou sawest with thi'ee streams flowing into its mouth
and one stream flowing out of it, that is the man who gets
much and gives little, and he is the worst of the three.
And now eat thy meal, Cormac," said Mananan.

After that, Cormac, Cairbre, Ailbhe, and Eithne sat
down, and a table-cloth was spread before them. "That
is a full precious thing before thee, Cormac," said Ma-
nanan, " for there is no food, however delicate, that shall
be demanded of it, but it shall be had without doubt."
" That is well," quoth Cormac. After that Mananan thrust
his hand into his girdle and brought out a goblet, and sot
it upon his palm. " It is of the virtues of this cup," said
Mananan, " that when a false story is toli before it it
makes four pieces of it ; and when a true story is related
before it, it will be whole again." " Let that be proved,"
said Cormac. " It shall be done," said Mananan. "This
woman that I took from thee, she has had another husband
since I brought her with me." Then there were four pieces

228

co'oC'S bou copí^i) Au "Ai|i ]-]\h '' )]- bfieii5 ni)." Afi bcAi)
2l)b<\t;A!;i\]u, " A ijenxirpfe t)ac b-freACAbAn beAt) ^tJ^ peAfi
Ó& pi\5bAbA]l CUfA, A Cbo|trt)Aic, ACC 1A& pé|t) A &-cyiiu|i."
Ba i:]o]x Ai? i*5eul f jtj A5U|* bo cua^O At) copíM) Tr)A cé|le
Ajx]]'. " jf rpAic i)A feo]be fii) A5AbfA, a 2t)bAT)At)<\ii),"
A|i Co]in7AC. " Bu& n)A]t ou^cfe lAb," A]t 2t)At)At)<vt), " óijt

buf leACf A jAb A b-CfUUjl .]. At) COp^t), AI) CjtAob, ASU]* AT)
j-SÓIlAlb, A|l fOt) bo fjubAjl A3U|* c'Alf*b|fl AT)|U3; A5Uf

CA]c bo pjtó|i)t; Ai)Oif, ó]|t bív rt7-bei6bí|* ]'Iua3 A5Uf ^-ocAioe
Ab pocA]ft \)] be^ÓeAÓ bojcccAll |*ai) rr)-bA]le |*o jiotbAb.
2l5uf njo ceAT)t) b^b ai) liot) Acívcao], óijt ]y rv]ye ^']rt}]]x
b|tA0]6eAcc ofi]tu]b ]ot)t)Uf 30 iT)-be]6eA6 y]h Art) pocAi|t

Ar)0CC, A5U|* bA|X T)-Al)l)rACC llOtT)."

CbAiceA^' A cu|b iA]t ^-jt); a3ii^ bA rbAjc At) cu|b |*|T),
ó||t i)íoft frt)UA]t)eA6 jtju b|A6 t)AC b-fUA|tAbAp Aji At; 1*30-

IXAjb, ]\)<\ beOC 1)AC b-pUA|tAbA|t A|l At) 3-COpiKT), A3UÍ*

■)iu3AbA|t A bu]ÓeAcu]* ^ji) 30 rrjóft ]te 2t)At)At)ívr). 2lcc
ceAr)A, Afv 3-CAiceArb A 5-cobA Óóib .|. bo CbojtrDAC,
b&]t\)e, b'2lilbe, A3uf ho C\)^]}}h]ie, |to beA|i3A6 jorrjOA

6Ó]b, A5U|* bo CHAÓbA]t curt) fU<V|1) A3Uf ]*Í^Tt)CObAlcA, 30t)A
AT)t) ^tO é^|t3eAbA]l Afl t)-A rb^itAC, A LlACb|tU]n) liVT)A0lblf)I)
30 t)-A |*3ÓflA|b, A 3-COpill), A3UI' A 5-CftA0]b.

3or)A6 é f|t) n)eA|tACA6 a3U]* p^3Ail c]tAO]b(^ Cbo|trt)A]c
30Dui3e x]t).

' Aisdear, a journey. This was the original meaning of the word,
hut in the parlance of the present day it denotes only a journey attended
with failure and disappointment, trouble taken for notliing, &c. and the

229

made of the goblet. " That is a falsehood/' said the wife
of Mananan, " I say that they have not seen a woman or
a man since they left thee but their three selves." That
story was true, and the goblet was joined together again.
" Those are very precious things that thou hast, Mana-
nan," said Cormac. " They would be good for thee [to
have]," answered Mananan, " therefore they shall all three
be tliine, to wit, the goblet, the branch, and tlie table-
cloth, in consideration of thy walk and of thy journey'
this day ; and eat thy meal now, for were there a host and
a multitude by thee thou shouldst find no grudg-ing in this
place. And I greet you kindly as many as ye are, for it
was I that worked magic upon you so that ye might be
with me to-night in friendship."

He eats his meal after that ; and that meal was good,
for they thought not of any meat but they got it upon the
table-cloth, nor of any drink but they got it in the cup,
and they returned great thanks for all that to Mananan.
Howbeit, when they hath eaten their meal, that is to
say, Cormac, Eithne, Ailbhe, and Cairbre, a couch was
prepared for them, and they went to slumber and sweet
sleep, and where they rose upon the morrow was in the
pleasant Liathdruim, with their table-cloth, their cup, and
their branch.

Thus far then the wandering of Cormac and how lie got
his branch.

common expression cuaird a n-aisdear may be rendered by "a wild-goose
chace.''

C2lOj<t)t) OjSJN 21 N-Í)j2l)5l) M21 T^ejHNe.

UCl) ! A 'pbit)'? V^ b-p^ApO aY t)A fluA^!
A Of3Al|t T)A 1)5leO, Tt)0 Tt)AC !

AT) b-pu]l f |b beo, t)ó civ q|i,
^'r 0|rl9 5AI? st^iorb T)iv i7eA|tc ?

Uc ! 11* Ti7i|*e Ar) xeAX)ó]\i c]iíoi),
A|i eAf bA bi6, bije, ijiv t*uatj ;
^ó leAÍ-z\ion) Pbí^íJTtA]5 Y a cliAjt,

A T)-eA|*bA Y A 5-C]AC bu6 CjlUA^.

Uc ! If ctxuA5 AT? coirs,

n)||*e A|i ceAl AVO]X ót) h-lpé^vv ',
A5 é]fceAcc |te r]u|tbíiT) cloij,
n)o T)uA|i]*A Ai)0]x, a'x ^Í r^wi)-

Uc ! A bu]6eAt) t)a 5-CAc b-c]teuT7,

bA rbÓft bA|t TT71AI) lAOCA]f fCAl ;

civ|t 3Ab bA|t T)-buccAf bu6 8uaI,

b'OirÍT) T)AC C|tUA5 lib A TT)A1C?

Uc ! ]X biortjb^bAC rtjo C|tioc,

Ó|t CAllleAf TT)0 bftlS A5Uf TTJO TjeAjtC ;
5A1Í P1A6aC 3AI) fOIJT) ATTJ 6^]l,

A5 rrT)UA]r)eArb A|t í^]li)eAcc tja b-feA|t.

' It is said that Oisin survived the Fenians to tlie times of St. Patrick ,
and in accordance with this tradition the author of the story of Diar-
muid and Grainne, as has been seen, makes Diarmuid in his last moment»
foretell the sorrow that Oisin was to feel, and his desolation. AVc there-

THE LAMENTATION OF OISIN AFTER THE
FENIANS.'

ALAS ! Fionn of the Fenians and of the hosts !

Oscar of the fights, my son !
Are ye living, or in what land,

Whilst Oisin is without action or strength ?

Alas ! I am the withered old man,
Lacking food, drink, and shimbers ;
Suffering the oppression of Patrick and his clerics,
In pitiful want and gloom.

Alas ! it is a piteous tale,

That I am now hidden from the Fenians ;
Listening to the drowsy noise of a bell,

1 grieve now and rejoice not.

Alas ! tribe of the mighty battles.
Great was your love of valor once ;
Whither is gone your rightful nature,
That ye care not whether it be well with Oisin ?

Alas ! sorrowful is my end.

Since I have lost my strength and my vigor ;
Without the chase, without music by me,
Whilst I muse on the beauty of the men.

fore append the above popular poem, which does not appear to be as
ancient as some other Fenian pieces, but of whicli the language is very
correct.

232

Uc ! 516 bei|t P^&ftAi5 Ó0 J^ó\rn,
At) pblAPD 5AD 3Ó IMC rt7A]Tt]b ;
1)] cuisceAft l]on) 5u|t ^jOft a slóft,
aY i)i ^u|l n)o n}eo\) a n)-b]tÍ5 a f Ailtty.

Uc ! civ t)5AbAib T)A p]|i bA c|teur),

i)AC t)-ci5]b A T)-éiT)^eAcc aY roe CAbATit
A Or5A]]t T)A n)-biiA6-lAT)r) t)5eufi,
c^t]All aV T^&l^ or) n)-b|tu]b |*o c'ACAi|t I

Uc ! A yhV)V, ACÍV ^lOf Ab 6^]l,

A'f 5i6bé ív]|tb bu]c aV ^^ob flos ;

1){V bi Tt)All, leAc T)iO|t 5t)ivc,

A 5-c}ll 5Ar) Ajii^i) ]Tf rt)6|t njo b|tót>.

Uc ! cA b-pu]l njAC l.u]5ÓeAc c]ieu.i),
bA 5r)itt)euccAC a T)-An) sleo^O ;
c|t]AU le civc i;ó 5AI) lAb,
bA tbiT)ic leAc |tiA]i 50 r^S^l^ f

Uc ! A í)blA|tn7Uib i;a n?-bAr> 50 lé]|t,
aV léjt ibéft) beic córbr<^lTt^li75 KF^J
ir ^ov'5V^ M^f») ^^c t)-biviliit cytuA^,
a'i* rt)é 5Ar) Iuaoa^I a TTjeÁ|-5 tja 5-cIiah=

Uc ! A CbAoilce rbic 'Hór)ís]v,
bA t]ieui) I'Axv S^if^e a']- 5I1A6;
bo b'eubciioin^e |tu)c A5uf cótbluAf,
l-njuAjt) ix]\ |túi;) a'i* 0|trt) cjhaU !

Uc bii rt)-biAii)i)fe a b-pocAiTt ija b-'piAi:)t7,
a']* TjeAC ojob bo bejc 5AT) A]trt) ;
AtbAil Acixirofe A 5-C1II t)A 5-cliAtt,
bo beii|t|:Ait)t) TAitjtACc Aijt 50 njeAjt.

233

Alas ! though Patrick from Rome saith
That the Fenians surely live not ;
I deem not that his speech is true,
And my delight is not in the meaning of his psalms.

Alas ! whither go the men that were mighty,
That they come not to succour me ;

Oscar of the sharp blades of \dctory,

Come and release thy father from this bondage I

Alas ! Fionn, thou hast knowledge with thee,
And in whatever quarter thou art and thy host ;
Be not slow, it was not thy wont.
In a church without bread great is my grief.

Alas ! where is the mighty son of Lughaidh,
Who wrought great deeds in time of battle ;
Come with the rest or without them,
Often didst thou liberally bestow.'

Alas ! Diarmuid of all the women.

Whose delight was to be free and generous ;

1 marvel thou yieldest no pity,

Whilst I am without vigor amongst the clerics,

Alas ! Caoilte son of Ronan,

Who wast strong of hand in valor and in fight ;
Who wast lightest of speed and swiftness,
Think upon our love and come to me.

Alas ! were I by the Fenians,

And one of the Fenians to be weaponless ;
Even as I am in the church of the clerics,
I would try to give him speedy succour.

' The two qualities most prized by the Irish were personal brarery
and liberality.

C'34

Uc ! If* bobjioi) 5eufi l)ort),

Ai) cé i)A itefrtj bo cleACC 5AC ttJiAtj;

bo he]i ^r)0]T i)a feAijónt bAoc,

5AT) pleAÓ, 5^0 peufbA, 5<m) beoc, 3Ar) b|A6.

Uc ! T)AC c|iuA5 fit) puÓAfit njo ]*5éil,

A5 beut^Atb ctieut)A]f a 5-cill tja rt)-bocc ;
ce]|tce A|tivio aY 3AT)T)CAt) b]6,
^'v^]'5 Z^V b|ti5 5AT) T)eA|ic njo coTtp.

Uc ! A cllA]t, 11* TtJA1|l5, CflA,

bo cuic ]X) bA|i T)-bivil 50 beAÍb;

3AI) CUAl]tir5 "pblW Vi< A fl«A13 Ajt fiXSAll,

b'^ii]3 3AT) ivjtb Tt^o c|tioc le pAbA.

Uc ! A "pblU'), ir 10t)Ár>u at; civf,
iD'Ay ]f|t]OT)t) iiicfieAb Ó^b i;A plAicif,
beAtbAT) i)iv bjAbAl, biv t]ie]ye livn;,
bA]t TT)-buA& bo biv^l 3AT) ceAcc fivrt) 3Ai|tn).

Uc ! ir beAjtb 31111 fseul 3A1) 50,

A b-flAfceAf Tbó|i i;a 3-cIia|i Tt?ii|* b^b ;
Ttjivf CU3CA 3éilleA6 b'peA|v tja KoitjA,
le i)]A i)i bofc 3u|i n}U]]xeA-\} X]^^-

Uc ! ba TT)-b'^iO|t Á UbAjtcA |*úb,
A bACul uijtb aY a leAbA]|i ba|t) !
bo_^C]6piT)t) bjteif, biv|i|i, ijó fuinj.
bo I0 tjó b'o]6ce Aji a cuib a|ií\]I}.

Uc ! nyo fUij Ay 30 f jo|t,

llb|*e, A buibeAi) bA fílúi|ifeAC A^tiviu ;

T)i 3éiUpit?tj pó <t)biA v'A yot) 3-cl]ATt,

30 tt)-b]Aii)i) A|i AOi) con ]1) bA|l 3-CÓlt)6íVll.

335

Alas ! it is a sharp woe to me,
That he who in his prime practised every delight,
Should now be a weakly old man [out food.

Without banquet, without feast, without drink, with-

Alas ! is not the grief of my tale piteous,
That I am fasting in the church of the poor ;
Scarcity of bread and scantiness of food.
Have left my body without strength without power.

Alas ! clerics, woe, indeed.

To him who hath miserably fallen among you ;
Where there are no tidings of Fionn or of his host ;
That has long rendered my end desolate.

Alas ! Fionn, it is all one.

Whether hell be your habitation or heaven,
That demon or devil, however mighty his hand,
Should have conquered you without your coming to
my call.

Alas ! it is certainly a true saying.

If ye be in the great heaven of the clerics ;

If submission must be given to the man of Konie,

We surely are not of the family of God.

Alas ! were his words true,

ordained crozier and white book !

1 should see some increase, improvement, or value,
By day or night in his bread.

Alas ! farewell in truth

To you, tribe, plentiful iii bread ;

I would not yield to God or to the clerics

Till I should in some way be amongst you.

236

Uc ! A Cb0T)ík]t) l]OfCA riíAOll,

bA rpófi rT7Í05t)A0i AS^rpf a feAÍ ;
At)0]f 17Í rDAire ASAiftc cfiib,
CA]t le fAoifife Af |ié]6 njo slAf.

Uc ! A clADtjA 2t)ó||tt)e njeAjtA,
bo b'^ei^|t|t |-eA|ic a5u|* ttj^at);
T)AC Cf\uA5 |tib OiT'ir) pó f rrjAcc,
A5 PA&ftAi5 '^^^ ■^l^ T ■*'^ cljAjl.

Uc ! A T7-10tJAb 5OCA 5A6A|t,

bA biT)r) rTje]6|teAC 5ACA n^A^beAi) ;
7*iu|tbat) CI05, ceol t)AC h]})i) lion),
a']- CAt:)clArÍ7 cl&ijte 5AT) A^ceAf.

Uc ! A T)-]ot)Ab fe]l5e a'i* i^iaÓai^,
^TjA |tA]b TT)o rblAT) a'i* itjo tt)út ;
uA]5r)e<x|* f AbA 5Ar) ajUm;,
5l6 beifi Pi^fe^Ais " be]i) 50 ru5<^c."

Uc ! A i)-]ot)Ab CACA aY c|ton)-3lé|6,
ir)A]i 5T)^c rtjo TP^ir '<^'r '^o feA^-Am ;
bAcul Pbi^b|XAi5 bii b-1on)CA|i,

a'i* a cllAJt CAl)CA]|teACCA AJ CA]fn)eA|lC.

Uc ! A t?-]Oi)Ab í:leA6 A5Uf peufbA,
bo |:uA|iAf ^éjt) TDA|t cleAccAib ;
c]tof5AÓ pAbA oil) belle,
bo i*5UAb)íA6 5AOC cA|i f-leAi-Aib.

Uc ! A be]|tib l|0fi5 bo ^ijívc,

i)AC ceAijt) A]iiviT) If n)A]c |te «Dja ;
Acc lonjAb u|tt)A]5ceAÓ asui* c|ieur)A|i-,
6iv céiTtb T)ívit leAUAf ]ii<vn).

' His meal was so scanty that a breath of air would blow it away-
Aonghus na n-aor O'Dalaigh, in (•atirizing the closeness of a chief who

237

Alas ! slothful Conan the bald,

Who wast once much ill regarded by me ;
Now it is not becoming to recall it,
Come freely and loose my lock.

Alas ! swift children of Moirne,
Noblest in fondness and in desires ;
Pity ye not Oisin under correction,
With the dull Patrick and his clerics.

Alas ! in place of the voice of hounds,
Sweet and cheerful every morning ;
The drowsy noise of bells, a music not sweet to me,
And the doleful sound of a joyless clergy.

Alas ! in place of the chase and the hunt,
In which was my delight and my desire ;
Long loneliness without bread.
Though Patrick says, " be merry."

Alas ! in place of battles and sore combat.
In which I was wont to stand and rejoice ;
The crozier of Patrick being carried.
And his chaunting clerics quarrelling.

Alas ! in place of banquets and of feasts,
Which I used habitually to enjoy ;
Long fasting from my meal,
Which the wind would waft beyond the walls.'

Alas ! they tell me continually,

That it is not plenty of bread that God loves ;

But much prayer and fasting,

Two pursuits which I never followed.

entertained him, says that a gnat would have carried off hid share of

bread without inconvenience See Tribes of Ireland, pp. 58, 59. Dublin :

John O'Daly, 1852.

238

Uc! ]y bójc itiOTT) 50 ^]oj\,

A1J f})]^VV aY "piOfjT) n)iv zS\]h beo ;

50 5-cluii7ib f i<\b n^o ceAfusAil,

a'i* t)AC 5-cui|xi& fuin) A|t b^c An? slóft.

Uc ! ]Y bójc itiorrj 5u|t beAjib póf,
bív n)-bjA]&íf beo ai)oi|* le p^SA^l ;

aY c|t]Aii bott) róiriciu 5A1? rí*^r-

Uc ! v] S^lUlfi) fc»o It^^ t)A 5-cliA|t,
"p]©!?!) Y A1) "pbl^i^W 3<'^T) t^ic beo ;
30 n)-h'i:ei\]i]i bAit) ^e^tj rrjAji CAjiATb "Dia,
Tjiv be]C Ti7A]t lAb t>6 t)a 3-cotT)AT|t.

Uc ! biv b-^u]3iT>r)]*e rpo TT)]At).
T)i f-euo^AjT)!) A^ i)biA 50 beo,

A PbiVb|lA13, 1)il A]t A clé]|i,
30 leAr)ií^ir)r) |te cé]le At) f^uAS-

Uc ! bo leAi)|:AiT)t) "pioyr) 5AI) fpivf,
-i^'r OrS^n ^]5 "JO leAijb ^]t]VD ;
516 T)AC lejjt bóib roo C]ta6,
aY rt}^ Afi 1íív5At7 Alt CAfbA bi6.

Uc! >^o leAt)pA]i)i)|*e CAOilce 50 n)eÁ\i,
aY *t)iA|trtju]b t)A m-bAi:» bo b]A6 l]t)t);

bo leAt)pAT1)0 OOll tT)AC 2t)Óftl)A t)A 5-CAC,

aY V] b|A]i)r) A h-pAb A 5-c]ll CbfMr^.

Uc ! bo leAt)i:A]i)u 3<^c t)eAC bot) pl)é|t)i),
A 5-CAC biv cjiftpje 50 cApAÓ;
bo cfté]5piT)T) bójb c]ll Af ójftb,
PívbyiA]5 or) Hó|rT7 Y ^ b<\c<\l.

239

Alas ! I truly sujjpose,

If Fionn and the Fenians be alive ;
That they hear my complaint,
And that they regard not my voice,

Alas ! I suppose it ia certain nevertheless,
Were thej^ now living and to be found ; [voice,

That it could not be but that they should hear my
And come to assist me without delay.

Alas ! I 3'ield not to the saying of the clerics,
That Fionn and the Fenians are not alive ;
That for me indeed it would be better to have God

as a friend.
Than to be like them or to go to them.

Alas ! could I get my desire,
I never would deny to God,

Patrick, nor to his clergy,
That I would follow the whole host.

Alas ! I would follow Fionn without delay,
And the noble Oscar, my joyous child ;
Though they perceive not my pain,
Whilst I wander lacking food.

Alas ! swiftly would I follow Caoilte,

And Diarmuid of the women, he would be with us ;

1 would follow Goll Mac Morna of the battles.
And I would not long be in Christ's church.

Alas ! I would follow each one of the Fenians.
Into any battle, however mighty, right quickly ;
For them I would forsake church and ordinances,
Patrick from Rome and his crozier.

240

Uc ! bo leAtjpAiot) tjCAC Aft h]t,
bo beu|i|:AÓ me ó sUf t)A 3-cI|ati;

A 5-curt)At)t) Y A b-p2v]|tc yie *t)|A.

Uc ! II* eu|-5A Y ir Tto utT)Al,
bo jtAcpAioofe CU5AC A DblA ;
hSx b-pu|3|^tj |tA6A|tc A|t lp\)]0^)r),
a'y 50 b-pu]5|t)i) plui^tfe bot) bjAO.

Uc ! T)i lé]|t bAH) C|teub bo 6euT),
AT) pblAtjt) n)ii c|ié]5Tb mo coft;
V] ^eAbAji Civ le^\)y^]X)r) a jtiAi),
aY bYwi5 ri'> ")']ATti*rt)A 50 bocc.

Uc ! V] lé||i cív]t JAb mo lújc,
HAÓAftc mo fúl iA "70 jtAC ;
fellxeAcc mo cluAf, mo THAI) fiubAil,
ci^]t 5Ab|*AC ]*úb Ai;oif t)i ^reAf.

Uc ! A 43bl<^ CU5 Pivb|tA]5 botj c\é]]x,
lA|ifiA]m Vh^ Ofic |te 5eAT) ;

5At) ^eUCAlt) A^l A1J A|tiM) 50 CAol,

of bATT) A5 c|teut}Af i)A meAfS.

Uc ! bivii (tlAfl f-lAlC 1)A b-piAOt),

uc ! bo biAÓ bo bY<^IItrl'?5 rS^I^;
UC I bo fluAS aY caca 51|a6,
uc ! A <t)blA, civji 5AbAi|- leo?

Uc ! A t)blA, CAjtJAI* bAm, CJIA,

If mAic A b-pixiitc Y ^ T^^O ;

At) b-fujl ■piopt) Y ^'> "FblADt) Ab óívil ?

UC ! m^ civjb If iot)5t)A jijom.

S41

Alas ! I would follow aii}^ one whatever
Who would take me from the fetters of the clerics
Though greatly they are ever praising-
Their affection and their love to God.

Alas ! readily and very humbly,
I would go to thee, God ;
Could I but get a sight of Fionn,
And obtain an abundance of food.

Alas ! I know not what I am to do.

If the Fenians forsake me in this state ;
I know not whither I can follow their track,
And that has left the remnant of me wretched.

Alas ! I know not whither is gone my vigor,
The sight of my eyes or my valour ;
The hearing of my ears, my powers of swiftness.
Whither they are now gone is unknown.

Alas ! God, that gavest Patrick to the clergy,
I myself ask fondly of thee ;
That thou wouldst not look narrowly upon the bread, '
Since I am fasting amongst them.

Alas ! for the prince of the Fenians to maintain us,
Alas ! for thy food plenteously distributed ;
Alas ! for thy host and the battalions of combat,
Alas ! God, whither hast thou taken them ?

Alas ! God, when I am spending Lent, indeed,
Their fondness and aflfection is good ;
Are Fionn and the Fenians by thee ?
Alas ! if they are I marvel.

' i.e. not to punish him if he ate more than he should
10

242
Uc ! A 'Db|A, A be] ft P<vbit.\]5

If pttAr bo seillpiOD biv 5I6ÍI,

Acc biv Tb^lb A b-pitóiw }y ceA^c a b|A6.

Uc ! A 'DblA, A|citt) A|tir»

peuc njo 5t)A0] a'^ i)iv ceil njo jtui} ;
n)iv civ 'pioot) 'f A fluAi5ce Ab q]t,

TDO Cft]All t)A rll^e 1)6 A lélSeAT) CU3Art).

Uc ! A iDblA, ti^Cxi- cttuAJ leAc feAT;5i|t,
peuc 5AC ijeoii) oprt) AijuAf ;
A'r bo cjópiii cúii* tt)o 5eA]tíiii),
50 bubAC, zi'<X]t, 5At) b|A6 5AI) fUAi).

Uc ! A 'Dbl^v, ]Y cuiitf-eAc ACiVJtt),
A r)-bi\il PbivbpAi5 5AU meA]- ;

'PlOTJt) Y At) 7^b|<^t)t) UAITT) A|% ^ríVJAI),

of UACA 6i^ilpii)i) beoc 50 ptiAf.

Uc ! biv n7-b]Aii)t)re AtbA^l biof,

A Tj-AitDfif^ rS^l^ble Cbt)u]c A1) ivm;

iT)ut)A h-}:u]■^]^)\) }ié]]\ A'f ]tiA|t,

bo cuififiui) bo cliAjt bocc A]t if'«,-^Ai).

Uc ! biv tT)-b]Aitji;fe A t)eA]tc Y a lu^c,

117 Aji biof 5At) puÓAifi A 5-cuAU ^blor^uciiivjA

T)i blA]!}!) bOrt) boÓjtAÓ A 5-C1U 1JA 5-CI05,
aY i'O Ciq|lVIT)U C0f5 Alt A 5-CltÓ1)ÍVT).

Uc ! biv rx)-h]A]\)r)ye a b-CApAÓ bit|5,

AITJAll biOf All 'Pb<NCA Cbot)iVlT);

a'i* "pioijD V A fluAisce |ien) cAob.
1)1 biAiou <V5 eifceACc a TJsUitb-

i.e. The battle of Kiiockanaur, in tlie county of Kerry.

24.3

Alas ! God, Patrick saith
That thou art a prince liberal and bounteous ;
Right soon would I yield to his voice,
But that though great their meal his food is scant.

Alas ! God, I ask again,

Look on my face and hide not my desire ;

If Fionn and the Fenians be in thy land.

Suffer me to journey to them, or send them to me.

Alas ! God, if thou pitiest an old man.
Look down upon me each noon :
And thou wilt see the cause of my complaint,
For I am gloomy, feeble, without food, without sleep.

Alas ! God, I am weary indeed.
Beside Patrick, despised ;
Fionn and the Fenians being banished from me,
For from them I would readily get a draught.

Alas ! were I as I was

At the time of the terrors of Cnoc an air ; '
If I got not obedience and attendance,
I would scatter thy wretched clerics.

Alas ! were I in strength and in vigor,

As I was exultingly at the harbour of Fionn tragh;'*
I should not be deafened in the church of the bells,
And I would put a stop to their droning.

Alas ! were I in lusty might,

As I was against Fatha Chonain ;
With Fionn and his hosts by my side,
I should not be listening to their howls [i.e. the
Psalmody and prayers].

» The battle of Ventry Harbour in the county of Kerry, whicli forms
the subject of a prose romance.

244

A 5-CAC T)A 3-C01ITjeAf*5A]1 jllAH) ;

i)í 5éillp]í)T) bo Pbívb|iAi5 5At> céiU,
ACív 5AT) |t6iro, 5Ar) beoc, 3Ay b(A6.

Uc ! bix nj-bAÓ ÓArbfA A rrje^VS t)<x 5-cI]Aíi,

A1) CAI) T^O C|t]All CU5A1T)T) T^A^lc TIJAC "Cbltélt) ;

t>í V^^V^VJ^ ceAr)T) A]t bftívjA^b
bív b-pu]l A^ Pívb|iA]5, t)ív é y^]V'

Uc ! A í)bl^> ")<^r cu 5Ab i)eA|tc

A|t f})]oi)\) T)A b-pUc aY Ajt yh^]\)v ;
tio \^ts.\)y.is-\V)r) bo cív]l 50 ^iaI,
Acc Ti)& bíteic njAfi ^Ab ói) 5-cléi|t.

Uc ! A í)blA ir AOlbjDt} itéirT),

n)íi|* frío|t bob clé]|i juji beA|ib leo —
xx)\x pób |*rt)ACc ACív Ai) pblATjr),

Uc ! A 'Db]<^í í>o b'AoibjOU "76,

bit rt)-biAiw 01) 5-cléi|i A b-pocAi|i )^bl')';;
aY ^o T^^líi "J^"^!^ cui]tceA|v bo c<v]*5,
bo jeubA^iji) uA^c Ajt^t) jac c]r)T).

Uc ! A í)blA> ^'^CÍV A]t IjeArb T)A u-óftb,
cui5irt> ^óf, rt)í\t* W>V- ^"^^ cléi]t;
30 b-i:ui3it>t) uAic bfteir OA b)5e,
l'p) 6ív t)i8 ]i)A b-^niil TT)o XY^\\.

Uc ! 3]6 CÍ\1IT7 3At) lélTT) 3At) lúic,

30 beAÍb bubAC A|i eA|*bA |tiAit) ;
Tf eu]-3A njeAji bo leAijpAiui) "pioot).
a']* t)í cói|t bu^c bjulcAO ÓArb, a *t)blA.

24o

Alas ! were I as I was

Always in the battalion of the combats ;

I would not yield to the senseless Patrick,

Who is without powei', without drink, without ibod.

Alas ! were I amongst the clergy, [to us ;

[Such as I was] when Tailc the sou of Treun came
I would not leave a head upon a neck, [himself.
Of all [the monks] that Patrick has, nor [spare]

Alas ! God, if it he thou who hast subdued
Fionn of the princes, and the Fenians ;
I would freely follow thy doctrine, [clergy.

If thou wouldst but take me like them from the

Alas ! God, whose sway is pleasant,

If thy clergy say true that they are certain —
If it be under thy correction the Fenians are,
Be hospitable and generous to them.

Alas ! God, I should be pleasant

Were I away from the clergy by Fionn ;

And according as thy fame is noised,

I should get from thee bread for every moutli.

Alas ! God, who art in the heaven of the deo-rees
I think, moreover, if thy clergy say true ;
That I would get from thee more drink.
Those are two things in which is my delight.

Alas ! though I cannot leap, and have no vigor.
Being miserable, gloomy, lacking strength ;
Keadily and promptly would I follow Fionn,
And it is not just for thee to refuse me, God.

246

Jy é n)o n)]^v ]X cuisce, c^a,

f]o^)1) ATI) óík)l bS\ tTj-b]A6 V At) 'l^biAijt;,
&o cuiiipiou ijeAti) A]* rt)o liv^Tt),
aY 5At) T*pivf ^*' leAT)pAir)i5 ]Ab.

Uc ! A i)blA bo beiji 5AC A^fse,

TDív|* ^ío|t Ai) Alnjuift bo ceAp At) cliAjt ;
^)i^ 5IAC peAjtj cftern 5t^iv6 b"pblow,
Uiv|t curT)bAi5 |t]0rT7 50 ceA|tc at) biAÓ.

)y beATib ]i]on) 5ujt pjott sai) 5Ó,

t)(vc 5-cluit)ifi n}o slófi, A i)blA, jte 5r)A0|
aY 5uyt cu]|tif b'pJACAib A]t At) b-peioo,
cuti) 0]fir) ACÍX pé]6 5Ar) riAcc.

Uc ! A 'DbiA, v^ be^t) rr)A]t fub,
5IAC Ab cujitc Tt^e p^ jjieAijij ;

a'i* n)iV|* AT)P A5AC ACÍV A1) pblAT)!),

ir T^o f"5^c b|AiT)t) T)A 5-ceAi)u.

Uc ! Tt)A|t c|té|5eAf T)eA^c aY lujc,
jtAOA^tc n)o f*úl, A'f Tt)o ceub^AÓ Ia5 ;
t;6 11* ^AbA Ó fo]i), A <t)biA t)A t)-bul,
T)AC TD-biAii)t) A5 zrjdi j\e bul Ab ceAc.

Uc ! b'^ Tt)-b]A6 A5AtT7fA fiubAl,

bo ItACiTAlUt) |te CIU)CA|* CU5AC fUAf ;

A f TT)ui)A b-pui5|oi) piv^lce r>A b-plAc,

\)]0]X h-yil]X\xy Af 1170 CU|t AlJUAi*.

Uc ! njix HU5A8 biiAb A|i }'bloi)t),
]Y bo]l5 \}on), Y ir olc at) fseiil ;
']• II' |to ri)ó|i tt)']ot)T^í)^ cpíb,

t1)ÍVV CjACC A|t 1)0ATt) bOt.) f\jé]t}]).

247

Let my desire, truly, be understood,
Were Fionn by me, and the Fenians,
I would put heaven out of my hand [i.e. renounce it],
And without delay I would follow them.

Alas ! God, who givest every gift, [made ;

If the strange doctrine be true which the clergy have
Be not angry for the love I bear Fionn,
Who never penuriously kept food from me.

Certain I am that it is true and no falsehood,
That thou hearest not my voice, God, with favour ;
And that thou hast compelled the Fenians
Not to come to Oisin who is wearied.

Alas ! God, do not so,

Keceive me into thy palace lovingly ;
And if it be there thou hast the Fenians,
Very joyful I should be going to meet them.

Alas ! that I have lost my strength and vigor,

The sight of my eyes, and that my powers are weak ;

Or long since, God of the elements, '

I should have ceased longing to enter thy house.

Alas ! if I had my speed,

I would by force go up to thee ;

And if I found not the welcome of the princes,

It would not be easy to put me down out of it.

Alas ! if victory has been won over Fionn,
It grieves me, and it is evil tidings ;
And truly my marvel thereat is great.
If the Fenians have arrived in heaven.

' &|A tjA tj-búl (God of the Elements), is a very Uiual Irish phrase,
meaning the Creator of all things.

248

XXc ! b<x b-cAicueOTb<x6 l]orn At) ixic,

aV t)AC b-t:ui5|t))) pivilce Afi rrjo cuA|itb ;.
bo beu|x|:Air)t) bo í)blA rt)0 Uii),
UAC b-riocpAitjt) 5At) iv|i ArjuAf.

Uc ! bo b'ioi)5UA |t]oti7 5At) 5Ó
biv ti7-bA6 beo Ar>0|f bot) ^pb^I»)');

biV b-pUl^lt)!) A T)-ATT)A|tC Ajtíf,

1|- |íAbA ói) 5-C1II bo biAb rt)o ]*P^ir-

Uc ! A "pblT)V, CIA ]tU5 0|tC buAÓ ?

uc! A Oi*5Ai|t, cii|t 5Ab bo c|teui) ?
uc ! T)Ac i)-Ai|ii5eAW ri^ Oirii) UAlb?

uc ! If C|tUA5 n)A|t CAIJAITT) fS^^^ •

Uc ! v] beAiijAi), uc ! v] t)]A,
uc ! T)i 5I1A6, uc ! 1)1 rlw<^5 '
uc ! bo ]tu5 bAfi nj-buAÓ,
Acc 5eA|* A c^iuAOA b'bA^t 5-cu]t A|t feo3A6.

Uc! A i)bl<VT^")w|b, bo cAbAift bA tt)|i)]c
A TiseAfA^b b|t]feA6 Y a 5-cu|t A^t 5-cúl;
uc ! t)i tijeAfAirt), uc ! t;í fioit,
T;ACA]t bjb A i)3eAf A]b c|iua6a.

It ]0^)'5^^ ]i]on) C|teub civ]tlA 6ib,

A'f Olfit) 5AI) fUjU) 5At) buAÓ ;

(I* ior)5UA p]on), A'f TD&ib bA|i DjliocAif,
i)AC b-ci50At)i) f|b le c|tuii)i)eAf cu5Art>.

Uc ! A i)blA ir 1^01)1) Ijoti) fop,
lAjtiiAcc bóccA]f* bo cAbAi|tc ojtc ;

ACC 5U|l b'é CAfbA AI) ló|l),

^'PM3 3^'J ^fMÁ 5^'^ c|teo||t njo co|ip.

249

Alaa ! if the place were pleaáing to me,

And that I got [there] no welcome on my visit ;

I would pledge my hand to God, [ter.

That I would not come down [from it] without slaugh-

Alas ! I would in truth wonder
Were the Fenians now alive ;
Could I get a glimpse of them again,
Far from the church would be my delight.

Alas ! Fionn, who triumphed over thee ?

Alas ! Oscar, whither is gone thy might ? [you ?
Alas ! mai'k ye not that Oisin is lacking from among
Alas ! it is sad how I have to tell my tale !

Alas ! it was no demon, alas ! it was no God,
Alas ! it was no tights, alas ! it was no host,
Alas ! that triumphed over you,
But hard spells which caused you to wither.

Alas I Diarmuid, thy help was often given
In breaking spells, and in annulling them ;
Alas ! I deem not, alas ! it is not true,
That ye are not bound in hard spells.

I marvel what has happened you,
Whilst Oisin is despised and without victory ;
I marvel, seeing the greatness of your skill,
That ye come not in a bod}" to me.

Alas ! God, I desire yet

To go and look to thee for hope ;

But that the lack of provision

Has left my body without strength or power.

Í?o0

Uc ! A '131)1 <\, uc ! A *t)blA tT)ó||i,
clu|i)irD 5AC t)eoio AT)0|r bo cívf5 ;
uc ! ó cíviji 30 &uir)eArbA|l piaI,
CU1|t CU5Art) ]A|t|tACC co]|iceArbAil AjtíVlt).

Uc! A cijAfi, ir "?^ir^5 ^cív

A5 pe]ceArb bA]t r)-A]tív]t) 'j* bA|t T)-&i5e ;

a']* 5AC A b-peACAf bO bAfl TD-bjAO,

5u|t ti)ó AOi) ojoce ArTjíx]t) ^leAÓ fh]VV-

Uc! ]f C|tuA5, ót) uc\ ]y cfiuAs,
0)|*ít) íJubAC f AT) s-qll |:5 5|tuA]n) ;
uc ! cA|t TT)ifbe 5AC b]t,
Acc v^SAT) pbliJt» 'r ^ rfieutjf-luAis.

Uc ! T)ío|i 61C l^ort) Tjív eAfbA,

bejC 5AI) Acpujw, 5AT) T)eA|ic, 5At) lúic;

ACC jOCA, CAjtC, A'f CftO|'5A6 ^TA&A,

bo 50]b ttjo TApAÓ 5 cfté]5eA|* "piorjr).

Uc ! A|i f n)UA]i)eATT) &An) A|t p)íon),
AT) CAT) birr) A|t leAbA]6 jat) fuAT);
ir eu5fAiT)Ail At) beA]tc liort),

<t)]A bOtT) 3r)Úlf 1)AC T)5lACAT)t) CltUAJ.

Uc! A|tíf, AT) UAl]t cluit)]ID AT) clé|fl,
(A'r 3AT) n)'At)AC|tA pé]T) &0 Iwa8,
T)ÍV CftíVCC A|l y^l)]Om) t)ÍV Afl AT) b-)^éjl)l),)

bu6 tT)Aife bo í)b|A tt)o cfiuAs.

I)M

Uc! At) iiA]|i cT5eAt)i) tt)o bé|l

a'v bO |*fT)UAlt)llT) A|l peufbA ^^bi
ir IOO3OA lioiT) c|toi8o cloice

T)AC t)5lACAt)») bolAÓ C|ICIT) CIIJC.

251

Alas ! God, alas ! great God.
Every noon 1 now hear thy fame ;
Alas ! since thou art humane and generous,
Send me a bulky succour of bread.

Alas ! clergy, woe to him that is
Expecting your bread or your drink ;
For all I have ever seen of your food,
The feast of Fionn one night alone was more.

Alas ! it is pity, alas ! it is pity [pleasure ;

That the mournful Oisin is in the church under dis-
Alas ! where was the harm of every want.
But that Fionn should be banished and his mighty host.

Alas ! I should deem it no want or privation

To be without power, without strength, without vigor ;

But thirst, drought, and long fasting

Have stolen my swiftness since I left Fionn.

Alas ! when I think of exploits,

When I am upon the bed without sleep ;

Methinks it is a strange thing

That God conceives not pity for my countenance.

Alas ! again, when I hear the clergy,
(Without mentioning my own woe,
Or speaking of Fionn or of the Fenians,)
It would be an ornament to God to pity me.

Alas ! when my meal comes,

And I think of the feastjof Fionn ;
I marvel ^tbat a heart of stone
Feels not anguioh for mv end.

252

Uc ! bíx b-pe^c^eAb f]oi)\) 'y At) f\)]M)v
n)o bé]lefe a|i iA|t-i;eo]t) ;
beATTjAt) t)iv bi^bAl biv b-civit)|5 inATt),
^)] coif5i:eA6 órtj 6A]l a b-c|ieo]ft.

Uc ! A i)blA, ]]• coT-rbAil At) beA|tc
30 b-pu]l]]t A b-fTAb of rr)0 c]or)r) ;
50 b-puilirt)fe A b-f Ab x]oy,
aY t)AC b-pu]l njo fii]n) ó\i CA]lleAf )^}0\)\}.

Uc ! bii rtj-bjAÓ 'piotjt) Y ^t) T'bl^^U')

A5Att7|*A, A í)bl<!^j UA]Z AtJUAf ;

aY V] blA]r)t) A 5-CUtT)A 3 At) bul fllAf.

Uc! A <t)blA, TD^ civ]]% A b-i:e]|i5,
ót) D3]tív6 fo bei|tirt) b"pbloi)t) ;
v] cu|tcA A b-pivc ti)o slofi,
eAfbA TT)ó|t bA]t)eAf Ijott).

)y pAbA iT)& A5 c<\fAO]b b|tóit),

3At) co]ia6 A|t tDO 5IÓ11 Abiif pa caU;
uc ! 1)1 b-10i)5t)A |t]on) i)iA,
ye-CiC At) "pbl^i)!) iqle aY pjot)»).

2lbbA|t tt)0 CAO^Oe tt)A|i civ]tt) 3AI) cfteoift,
5At) Ati)A|ic, ydy, 3Ar) lújc 5At) itéirt);
ciiíi)fei|i3ce, lotp-c^eACAC, be||ieo|l,
Art) cuatU cai)ói|', 3At) |tu]c, 3At) léitt).

)y pAbA IcArt) rt)0 cfiOfSAÓ 3AI) C|ií\bi)Af ,
516 T)AC ]\G 311^6 1)^ |te 3eAi) bo <t)blA ;
Acc b'eAfbA b|6 i)<x |ió fívrbAif,

pAO] 3At)CAt) AIli\|l) A3tl|* lcAC[l(A|t.

' Abur, caU, on this side, on that side or beyond. Those arc very
usual expressions for " in this world," and " in the next world," like the
Greek ivTxvfioi and Uu. Oisin meant that neither the monks on this

2Í3

Alas ! were Fionn and the Fenians to see
My meal in the afternoon ;
No demon or devil that ever came
Would hinder their strength from coming to me.

Alas ! God, it is a likely thing
That thou art far over my head ;
That I am far below, [Fionn.

And that there is no thought for me since I have lost

Alas ! had I Fionn and the Fenians
Down, God, from thee ;

During my existence I would not part from them,
And I would not be in grief, but go up.

Alas ! God, if thou be angry
At this love which I give to Fionn ;
Thou shouldst not heed my voice,
A great want has come upon me.

Long time I am making the plaint of my sorrow,
My words bear no fruit on this side or that ;'
Alas ! I wonder not at [admire] God,
Compared to all the'* Fenians and to Fionn.

The cause of my plaint is that I am stripped of vigor,
Of sight, moreover, of swiftness and of strength ;
Dry -withered, naked, in contempt,
A wretched creature, powerless to run or leap.

Long and wearysome my fasting without piety,
Though not through love or fondness for God ;
But for want of food and sweet comfort,
Suffering in scantiness of bread and on half pittance.

e.artli, or the Deity in heaven, or the Fenians in whichever world they
might cliance to be, gave any heed to his complaint.

254

beoc coiji tjjofi ibeAf |te c]ai?;
cú]f rpo CA0]6e, 'f ||- fiofi tT7A|i |-]t;,
50 b-fruil)rt) ATt 6ic t^eiftc ASuf itiA^i).

*t)'<\ rt^AijxpeAÓ "pioou tjA t)-eAC feAiJ5,
A'r OfSAjt ceAtji) tjA Iadu T>5eu|i ;
bo bAitjpeAÓ b^AO bo 6]AbAl t)ó bo ÓeAnjAi),
aV 1)1 bjAÓ 0|nt) pAi)^ 5Ar) CACA cléib.

)f n)]V]C 110 bí^ 7-]or)t) t)A ceAtjr) piai)i)a6,
50 lucri^Aji, IjourbAfi, líxiijfié]meAC ;
a']* 50 n)-bA6 fru]iuf ^rleAÓ fíAi|tfit)5
b'frívsA^l bo feAcc 5-CACAib ijA "peitjije,

SiAi) |te r^mse A'r r^e re^is,

fliVT) |ie Ttjeirse a']* |ie rAO]t-ceol ;
flivt) |ie citoib^b a'x ite CACA^b,
flivi) |ie lAi)T)Aib li^]^)^eu]^A pof-

Sliii) |te lúic A5UI* jte i;eA)tc,

flivT) |ie ceAb aY |ie rAobA|t-5oirb ;

flivT) Tte c]At) a'i* |te ceAcc,

fliiij |te Tt)AlAi]tc aY fte 5léA5Aib.

SlívT) |ie b]A8 Asuf ]te bi3,

flivi) |te '\iii]i A5uf ]te lé]n7|ieAC ;
flíxt) |ie ri*'8<^c 5AC 5Aiib-ct)u]c,
fli^T) ]te cu]tA]6]b T)A b-c|té]T)peA^.

Slí^t) ]t10C, A "pbltjt) t)A 5-C|tUA6-lAUU,

bo b'ú|i i)eATb-5At)i) bé]le ;

1)1 b-lot)Ai;r) aY Piib|v<vi5 5AI) beACA,

biV Tt^e^b A CAjXAlb ftJA clé]|tcib.

> This epithet is often applied in Irish to denote grace and agility.
' i.e. Wounds bv the sword.

265

Constant my thirst, aud that iii spite of me,

A right draught I have not di'unk for a long space ;
The reason of my plaint, and truly it is thus,
Is that I have lost might and power.

Were Fionn of the slender' horses living,
And stern Oscar of the sharp blades ;
He would win food from demon or devil, [side.

And Oisin would not be weakly without support at his

Often was Fionn as chief of the Fenians,

Swift, abounding in forces, widely triumphing ;

And it would have been easy to get

A plenteous feast for the seven battalions of the Fenians.

Farewell to wooing and to hunting,

Farewell to drinking and to sweet music ;
Farewell to fights and to battle.
Farewell, moreover, to sharp blades.

Farewell to agility and to strength.

Farewell to slaughter and to edge wounds ;2
Farewell to distant lands and to returning,
Farewell to exchanging' and to combats.

Farewell to food and to drink,

Farewell to running and to leaping ;
Farewell to the chace of every rough hill.
Farewell to the warriors of the mighty men.

Farewell to thee, Fionn of the hard blades,
Who wast noble and plenteous in giving feasts ;
Not like the foodless Patrick,
For all his many friends among the clerics.

» It was customary at large gatherings, such as the \:é]x Ce^rijttAc,
for warriors to exchange arms with one another in token of friendship.

2o6

suy nioc A "pbit»ij, Atiir A3ur Ajtir,

ceub |*li)nj |i]oc, A |ti5 t)a 7^é]T)De !

of CU bo COfSpAÓ mo CA|tC,

t)i l)-]ot)Ano aY p|iAp 1JA cléijie.

SIai; fl]OC A5 CU|l Al) iV]|l,

fliVT) |t]OC, A lí\TÍ7 líit)l^lb]|i ;
yXixx) |t]oc, A fíx]t6ívil i)A 5-c]tioc,
]|* bubAC tt)o fttjAOjoce \ ]y c|tiv^6ce.

Sl'AX) ItJOC A5 C0i*3A1|tC T)A 3-CT)ÍVrb,

516 t)Ac i-íVTÍ) Pit] Pixb|tAi3 mA]t ]t)t)reAtD ;
Acc TjAC b-pujlimfe 60 if^ f^^xArry,

A C|VÚ 6íV1)A TJA Tt)Ó]ltCqiTJC10ll.

jf iDo^t AT) c|vuA3 bufcfe, A n)|c CbumAiU,
t)<xc 5-cu]|ti|t cu3ArT)f A bjAÓ A3u|* beoc,
3]6bé jOtjAb iT)A b-pu]l cu,
3AT) beAT^Ai) x)^ b]AbAl Ab 601*3.

Of i)AC n)A]]ieA\)r) acc njo cA^fe 3AT) bftu]r,
jr rtjoft mo tu]]tfe 3Ar) n)& mA|i Aot) leAc ;
3l6b& A i)-]p|t]oi)t) t)ó A b-plAiceAf,
bo 3eubAit)T) ai) beACA cAob leAC,

21 bei|t PAb|iAi3 At) cAt)clA]m l]Oiv,

A*f v] f AjCim Ai3e bo f ubcAf

ACC clui3 bort) bob|iA6 'y ^leo a clé]|t.

21 beijt fé 3U11 móft ai) peAjt é Í)|a,

a']- 3utt fufxuf b]A6 Af beoc uai& pivSAjl
bA|t mo l^m A3iif bA|i njo bftiACAjt
ir 5Ar;t) bo |i]A|tAt)t) mife a'i* cAc.

2o7

Farewell to thee, Fionn, again and again,

A hundred farewells to thee, (3 king- of tlie Fenians !
For thou indeed wonldst conquer my thirst,
Not like the porridge of the clerics.

Farewell to thee working slaughter,

Farewell to thee, mighty hand of strength ;
Farewell to thee, excellent ruler of territories,
Dark are my thoughts and painful.

Farewell to thee hewing bones, [late it ;

Though it is not pleasing to Patrick that we should re-
But I am not kept pleased by him,

daring hero of the gi'eat circuits.'

It is very pitiful in thee, son of Cumhall,
That thou sendest me not food and drink,
In whatever place thou mayest be,
Without being hindered by demon or devil.

Since there remains not alive of me but my ghost with-
out mantle.
Great is my weariness that I am not with thee ;
Whether thou be in hell or in heaven,

1 should get food by thee.

Patrick of the moaning tells me
That his own king is plentiful and noble ;
But the only joy I see him have.
Are bells deafening me and the snarling of his clerics.

He says that God is a great man.

And that it is easy to get meat and drink from him ;

By my hand and by my word,

It is but scantily he serves me and every one.

' i.e. Of the sweeping forays or expeditions.

17

258

21 beiji fé \]ort) ]:ó\- Tt}A)i f pjocAl,

3HIiAb A5 *t)iA ACÍV ciq'A A i)-bAOft-bftu]& ;

Y ^]* beA5 ^|i) ^eAc a T)-AbAi|t

Í50 b]t)AcitAib ceAljA 3A15 éi^reACc.

)r c]tuA5 lioiD ]:'e\v iJAC Art) fiOCAijt
Ativ A]tivi) cob A Ajuf belle;
bo cAicf iw b^AÓ A5Uf oeoc
T)iof n7]oi)CA t)iv bo beutjAirt).

21 beiji clei|ieAc t>A 3-CI03 Ttiott^fA,
30 b-^iuiliitj-e rú]3C6 A loc T)A b-pTAi)t) ;
A3uf bei|tirr> \x]y, A3Uf bubAitc,
T)AC léi5peA|i cucv\ |teAcr t)^ p^ai).

Uc ! A y^h]VV, <^ curt7A]i)r), rn'^y VÍ^V^
30 b-puili|i fio]* A t)-uAiTÍ7 t;a b-p]Ai) ;
r)i\ pilATT)3 bo 6]AbAl ^y^ bo OeAitJAT)

A1|tn) buA&A T)iV CCAb A |t]AT).

2t)o ÓA]T)]b C]t5vi6cft n^A^t Aciv|rt7

Art) feAT)ói]t ív|tf A 3At) b|ti3 3AI) liiic ;

Y ir c]tuA3 rnofi AT)Oif rt}ó c^|-,

A b-pocA]it Pb^b]tA]3 Y A clo5 30 bubAC.

)y cui|t|*eAC cl'^]t bo b|rt7 bo p)S\t,

A3 ftT}llATr)eATÍ) AjI 3ÍVIII T)A lAOCftAO;

3At) bc]c A3 é]|*ceAcc ]ie 5UC 3a6a]i,
A5Uf |te 't)ó|tb |*]Ai)|*Ac i)A fé]\)})e.

)X 'D|i)ic 1176 30 bubAC cla^c,

A3 ArtjAjtc Pbi'kb|tAT3 'f A cleijie ;

T)A b-fOCA1tl 3Ar) biA8 3At) fivrbAf,
T)iofi b'TOt)A);r) Af T^lcAb ija 7'é]t)i)e.

DorJ means a buzziiiíí noise, or hum, but tlie Dord Feiiine was some

259

Another speech, moreover, he utters to me,
That God it is who hath thee in vile bondage ;
And that is but a small thing to what he speaks
Of deceitful words without sense.

Pity indeed that it is not by me

There is bread for a portion and a meal ;
I would taste meat and drink
Oftener than I do.

The cleric of the bells tells mo

That thou art whelmed in the lough of torments ;

And I tell liim, and have told.

That they will have to suffer no condemnation or pains.

Alas ! Fionn, my love, if it be true

That thou art down in the cave of torments ;

Suffer no devil nor demon

To have victorious weapons or to exercise his might.

My g-rief and pain that I am

An aged senior without power or speed ;
Very piteous is now my plight,
With Patrick and his bells in gloom.

Weary and faint I am ever,

Musing on the shouts of the warriors ;

How I am not listening to the voice of hounds,

And the melodious Dord Feinne}

Often am I gloomy and heavy.

Looking on Patrick and his clergy ;

Being among them without food or comfort,

It is not like the feast of the Fenians.

peculiar instrument of music used by the Fenians. It is frequently
mentioned in these poems and the prose romances.

260

A bACul Ay A leAbA^l C|tCAC,

A3u|* fleuccA|T) 5T)ivc i)A clé]|te.

*l)íi rbéib A 5-c|tíiibA6 aY <x i)-úíti)Ai5ce,
T)í 6eATtcA]n) plúi|t|*e a T)-&||t]C;

ACC C|teul)A|* ^AbA AJUj* 5AT)r)CA1),

A|t CA^ceATTj Ar)r)lA]T)i) A5UI' b&]le.

'jy njóít A T)-hórcA|* a^ a b-ci5eA|it)A,
aY bei|t]b 5U|t p^aI t>o yio]^)\)eA^)i) leo ;
A be]|t|rt7|*e bA|i n)0 b]tiACA]t,

1)AC pjO|t ^Ab a'i* 50 5-CAT)Alb 5Ó.

016 n7Ó|t 30jít]b A|t c]obAl A b-ci5eA|ti;A
50 rtjoc a'i* 50 béi5eAT)AC 5AC ló ;
bftuf5Afi h]6 ij'A |A|tr)0f5 beoc

T)i ArbApCAjTT) ACO A]t AT) tT)-bÓflb.

Mi pAjcitr) ACO njAijbiot) 03,
r)iv beAT) pófbA ijív AOOCujAé,
Tve A n)-h]A]bíy A5 ce^lc hoh]\ó]\),
ACC u^leo i)A 5-CI05 A|t |*|ubAl.

"pjApitAi^eAiji) Pivb|tA]5 AT) CAUclAjTb bíort)
i)AC bioo |*|t) 5UC i;a 5-cléj|teAC ;
Af beip]rt)|-e t)|6 i|- pío|i,

T)AC blUO A5U|* T)AC C|té|5CCAC.

Mi freACAf pui|t|tioi;u y^]^rr) njAyt \Ab,
■\y luA c]aII Ajuf* éipeACC;
A5 fioitCAyclAji) I'Alrr) jai) bjAÓ,
aY a 3-clui3 A5 biA]i)-b&]ceA6.

' i.e. lie never saw any fragments which would denote that the monks
had just had a good feast.

261

The food that most abounds with Patrick
Are bells screeching' and howling,
His crozier and his book of offices,
And the continual genuflexions of the clerics.

Though great their piety and their prayer,
I see no abundance to make up for it ;
But long fasting and scantiness,
At the hour of food and at mealtide.

Great their hope in their lord,

And they say that he deals bounteously with them ;

But I say by my word

That they are false and tell a lie.

Though much they invoke the title of their lord,
Early and late each day ;
Broken meat or dregs of draughts
I see not with them on the table. ^

I see with them no young maiden,
No married woman, or single,
AVith whom they might be hiding grief, ^
But the uileo^ of the ever-going bells.

Patrick of the moaning asks me
Whether the voice of the clerics is not sweet ;
And I say indeed what is true.
That it is not sweet nor worthy of men,

I never saw a tribe like them,
People of less sense or wisdom ;
Ever droning psalms without food,
With their bells furiously screeching.

2 i.e. With whom they might drive away dull care.
' IJileo is one of the many Irish ejaculations denoting grief and
mourning. Here it means the melancholy din of the bells.

262

SUi) nioc, A Or5A]ft ijA l<vi;i) \)\n)e !
flivu T^ioc, A Of3A|t i)A tt)-béirTjeAt)u !

bC\ tt}-b)A6piV A5<\rfi Tt)A|l UltfA]!;!),

bo biAÓ ]tuA]5 &|tuin)e Afi at) 5-cléiit fo.

Uc ! 1)] cluioeAiji) Or5A|i ttjo cao|6,
a'p i;i ^A]ceAi;t; ^u|rrj njo béile ;
7*IAVf^U r<^H boitj bo6|i<\6,
A5 Art7AfcftA]6 aY A3 beic^o.

)]' Mib<vc Ijoit) 3AI) AiT7A)ic Sseoli^iu
A i;-t>eoi5 cori)3iv|t i;)a péfi^tje ;
A t;-Am Ai) ^IA^Ó bo 6úi]'eAcc
If n)ei6|teAc b'frú]3]i)t) bív })-eill í-

Slívt) moc Anír, A Or3Airn;A 3-ciiua6-Iauij,
5l6 b-10U3yA Ttioii) t;ac v-éif&ijt,
a'i* 3A1; cu pó f rt)Acc A3 ^jA i)i^ beArbAi),
aY UAC b-ci3i|t A3 b]cceAui)A& i)a cU^ijte.

Bj AT) clé]|teAC 'f A cljAfi 3AC t)eO|l)

of* cptt}Ai|t AlcóftAc A3 fleucbAji);
ú|iyAi5ce A3m* CftUAO-caif,
Af* Oifiu clivjc biv b-^eucA]»).

)l)U]f' bArb, A "pblUU Tt)|C CbiitijAill,
civft 3Ab bo lú|c A3Uf bo ]i|At),
ir)A]i 50 b-puil|]t A ^A]b yo Art)uic,
a'i" Oino 30 bocc A Ti)eAf3 ija 3-cIia|i.

< i c. as a support, a commoa phrase in Irish.

'' Next to Bran, Sgcolan was the most favorite liound of Fioiiu INIat.
Cumhaill. The following is the first stanza of a division of tlie poem
on the battle of Knockananr, called '* The names of the hounds and
staghounds which the Fenians had on leaving Knockauaur," in which
arc given the names of two hundred and ninety-four hounds.

263

Farewell to thee, Oscar of the deadly blades !
Farewell to thee, Oscar of the blows !
Had I thee as a door-post,^
There would be a flying rout made of these clerics.

Alas ! Oscar hears not my lamentation,
And he sees not the size of my meal ;
How the noise of psalms deafens me,
With their howling and their screaming.

It is a dark grief to me not to see Sgeolan^
Following the cries of the Fenians ;
At the time of rousing the stag
Exultingly I used to slip him from his leash.

Farewell to thee again, Oscar of the hard blades,
Though I marvel that thou hearest not,
Since thou art not subdued by God or demon.
And that thou comest not to behead the clergy.

The cleric and his clergy are every noon
Before an altar prostrating themselves ;
Prayers and penance [going on]
And the weary Oisin watcliing them.

Tell me, Fionn Mac Cumhaill,

Whither is gone thy swiftness and thy might,

Since thou art now so long abroad,

Whilst Oisin is in misery among the clergy.

lon)A]\\e, \)\iAb, A5ur lotij-lújc ;
CÚ15 coijA A &-cúir re|l5e A'r 501"),
i)Atx r5<^nAb cojóce ^e V]Of)i}.
There were there Sgeolaa and Brau,
Lomairc, Brad, and Lom-luith ;
Five hounds foremost in chace and exploits.
That never used to separate from Fionn.

264

M] 5éill|n> 50 ]íii]h i;ív 50 b-pml,

ua póf 50 n)-bei6 50 bC)|ieA6 ao &orbA)tj^
&|AbAl t;ív beArbAT), bív c^é]r)e i)eA|tc,
A5 5Abív|l curT)A|f óf bo ciotjr).

2lcc ceArjA, i)] cAbftAitt) 5éilleA6,
516 bei|t]b jujt c]teuT) é *t)iA,

bo cIaoo<v6 t)ív bo 00^5 ób |tiAij.

Uc ! A f\))f)Vf CA|t fe^T) a'i* 0|*5Aft,

A b-]:ocA|fi cl^]|te PbívbpAis ;

^ív^pArt) A|t 61C ceAtjt) jAb mle,

a'i* co|*5pArt) i)A clti]3 bu|le ó 5íV|icAib»

^ijíorb ite curnAf lívirbt)e||tc,

TJAC T)-beUT)ADU clél|X]5 1)A leAbA|l,

i;ív <DiA i)A b-plA]ceAf, 1JÍX Píib|tA]5.

?^) iiAcpAÓ Aor) tjeAc ojob fúb

A|i Tt)u]|i |tiiAi6 t)A b-cfteut)-cot)i) c-yo-\]i ;

njAji A 5-cluiijcí Atj co|iAT;t) lon),

bo cujAÓ AT) COT)!? 50 fP^lTi 5^1) COfS.

Mj |iac^a6 aot) r)eAc 6iob ]*úb

A 5-cori)lúic fie 'CAflc rbAC T^bpeoji),

AT) liV b'fri^j f6 f]T)I) Aft Ó|C,

aY A5 f:uA]l-CA01T)eA6 AT) TT)óifxf-lói5^.

U\ ftAcpAÓ AOT) T)eAC 6íob i-iib

lis, AT) frOJTbAllt Aft AT) 5-CT)0C fO f |Afl ;
T)A 5-CU]pq AT) puT)AI)l) 50I)A CUlbllCAC

c]iéf A1) 5-citoi6e A5 At) biiii)o nA|t.

' ?lO lijuitt nwAe, //(c re(/ sen. This is the sea between Ireland ami
Scotland, called riuic ija 2J)A0)le, and rnuc i)a 21)aoiIo ituAj&e, the stream
0/ /Ac red Moyle. Vide " The death of the children of Lear."

265

I believe not that there was or that there is,
Nor yet that there will be to the end of tlie world,
Devil or demon, however mig-hty his strength,
Who will get mastery over thee.

llowbeit, I believe not.
Though they say that God is strong,
That by the locks of heaven he could
Vanquish thee or stop thee on thy course.

Alas ! Fionn, do thou come, and Oscar,
Among the clerics of Patrick ;
We will leave them all headless,
And will hinder the maddening bells from jangling.

Thou indeed, Oscar, didst often work
Deeds by the power of thy hand's strength,
Which the clerics of the books do not,
Nor the God of heaven, nor Patrick.

Not one of them would have gone

Upon the red sea' of the mighty waves in the east ;

Where was heard the fierce thunder,

That used to raise the wave to the skies irresistibly.

Not one of them would have gone
To measure strength with Tailc Mac Treoin,
The day he left us with a sore loss,
And in chilly lamentation for the great host.

Not one of them would have gone
On the harvest day upon that hill in the west ;
When the sheaf with its binding
Might have been passed back through a man's heart.^

2 Oisin here alludes to the battle of Knockanaur, and to the terrible
wounds which were there inflicted.

266

Uc ! A Cboyi^iu liofbA TtjAoil ueAti)-5Hiui),
cfieui) VAC b-c]5]|ife bort? peucA]i) ?
aY 50 b-i:ui5|:eA ceAb 5tt|uu ^'v n)illce
A|t peAÓ IjoyrbAiite i)A 5Aijt)-cléi|te.

2lcív At; 1)60] r) Atjon* A5Arp,

a']- cA b-pu)! feACc 5-CACA t)A 3T)^lc^éit)t}e ?
ir ^ov'5VA T^ioti? civ cotMlT^ i)A i^SAbA^b,
a']* i)ac b-c]5ib peAfbA bony ^eiiCA]t).

Jf* C|Ar) tDé A5 Acl^t) piV CUTTJA,

3 AT) pleAÓ úfi, 5AU 5|teAT)t)-béile ;
ir 5^1)0 fc»o SeibirT7 ]beA6 a']* ua6,
'f If pAbA puA]t bor) cé]le.

Bu6 Tbó fívf ATb pm5eAl Aor) ■ple]&e ATt)i^]i>
bA|t cAiceAbATit, cjia, An> ^ocAi|t,

T)iV A b-peACAf |t]Ati) A5 PAb]tA13,
bo UlttpleAOA^b a'i* Í50 f-OCA1|l.

2I1) CA1) b'é]|t5eAut) PAbitA|5 Ajt n)Aib|f),
bi f6 50 CApAÓ A5 fleuccAiij

of COrbAIlt AlcOflAC, A5Uf Alp|t|OUI)

a'i* clui5 b2v fp|teA5A6 A5 cléiftcjb.

)Y i;eArb-ún > If ')eATT)-pAi|tnu5,
bo CAic|b Ai) beAcc-béjle ;

^)í h] CeolcA A|t h]i ACA,

Acc cai)cIait) 'f fleuccA^u UA clc||ic.
Hi bj bo piuocaI auu riV ^*^^

ACC *DlA, a'v 1)CArb, a'i* UAOlijCACC ;

a'i* bu6 h]i)t)e ]iion;fA 50 fAbA,
5IÓ11 CAH*fT)ioftcA i;a péiuue.

267

Alas ! slotliful clieerless Coiuiu the bold,
Wherefore comest tliou not to see me ? [vile,

For thou wouldst get power to enjoy thyself and to re-
Throug'hoiit the multitude of the niggardly clerics.

It is now noontide with me, [Fenians ?

And where are the seven battalions of the standing
I marvel by what path they are gone,
And that they come no more to see me.

Long am I groaning in sorrow,
Without a goodly feast, without a joyous meal ;
Scantily I get drink and meat.
And they are cold and far apart.

More satisfying would be the remnants of one feast alone.
Which ye, indeed, [the Fenians] ate with me,
Than all I ever saw Patrick have
Of good feasts and of comfort.

When Patrick rises in the morning.

Forthwith he begins to prostrate himself

Before an altar, whilst mass

And bells are sounded by the clerics.

Ignoble and illiberal

Is the accurately-doled meal they eat ;

They have no music whatever

But the moaning and prostration of the clcrictj.

They have no discourse then

But of God, and heaven, and holiness ;
And far more sweet to me would be
The sounds of battle of the Fenians.

268

M'l 3é]llin) aV t)í cítei&]tT) bo PbívbftAi5,
A be]|t 3u]t }:eA\t fteajcAc <t)]<v ;

^o T^láOGAf |t]f beoc Af biAÓ.

21 beiít smtAb é iDjA itoiweAi* 50 cói|t
A|t Ai) botbAi) rnófi 30 co]cce<M)i) ;
A5Uf be]ji]Tt)fe a'^ a bubA^tc,
VAC |:u|tu|* I'll) b'Aiqi) 0|tc|*A.

2l|i <vi) AObAji bii TD-bAÓ freAji t)iA
bo b]A6 A5 ttiAfi 50 coicceAW,
bo 3eubA6 O(fii) beoc A'f bjAÓ,

a'i* T)i b]A6 3AT) ftlAjl bub COftTJAll.

21 belli clé]fteAC tjA nj-bAcul lirjr),
30 b-fru|l]rt) Ajt bAO]|* on) 5r)iorbA|b;
aY be'\^]mve ^oy leif feAt)
r)ii|t bu6 yisxx) e]|*eAT) bin ir)T)]*ir).

)f be^rbiT) ma ca bjAÓ A3 Í)]A,

bíi Tt)-biAii;i)fe tdaji a b-pu]l i^a pocA]|i,
50 tt)-b]<x6 ye la]Tbi:)eA|tcrbA|t 30 leo|t,
^)ó 30 v-^eut)y{>,S ]*3Ófi be bfi0T)t)A6.

i)a b-pu]5Il)l)]*e ATT)A|IC Ajt At) n)-b]A6

A3 beArbAi) rja A5 bjAbAl biv curt^uf ;
bub bó|3 l]on} 3AI) ceAb bo <t)biA
30 n)-hA]t)y]vv rvo |t|A|i Af 30 puituf.

' Bachul, a crozier, also a crutcli. This word, of which the oldest
form is bacul, is derived from the Latin baculum ; nevertheless, sucli is
often the ambition of native Celtic philologists to establish a paramount
antiquity and originality for their language, that an Irish scholar, well
acquainted with Latin, a short time ago gravely affirmed that bachul,
meaning also a staff anciently borne by bards and brehons, and vari-
ously decorated according as they advanced or graduated in their pro-
fession, Avas the root of the word Bachelor in the Academic sense {Ba-
chelor of Arts). This is quite as bold as the derivation assigned by the

269

I yield not to nor believe Patrick,

Who saitli that God is a bounteous man ;
For scantily, narrowly, and poorly,
Have I fared with him in drink and meat.

He saith that it is God that distributes equitably
To the great world in general ;
But I say and have said,
That it is not easy to know that by thee.

Because that if God were a man
Wont to make general distribution,
Oisin would receive drink and meat,
And it is likely that he would be ministered to.

The cleric of the croziers* tells us,

That I am raving on account of my deeds ;
And I, moreover, answer him [by praying]
That he may perish in saying so.

Certain it is, if God had food.

And that I were where he is, ])y him ;

That he would be strong-handed enough.

Or that he would have to bestow a share thereof.

Could I but get a sight of the food

With demon or devil, however powerful ;

I trow that without leave of God,

I would take my sufficiency of it with ease.

peasantry for tailiuir, a tailor, whicli word has been adopted from the
French tailleur. They say that it is composed of z'^t, the root of rí^.
cAjti) or cixcuisjn), to stick or fasten together ; and buiUeAbAn, colloqui-
ally pronounced builljutt, the leaves of a tree, which would produce the
form cacóuiU|uri=cíinl|Uin, thesticker-together-of-leaves, an appropriate
name for the first tailor, whose cloth was fig-leaves. The pages of many
Celtic works, written even since the establishment of philology on a
sure scientific basis, are disfigured by etymological speculations of the
above calibre.

270

)y AtblA]6 ^éiUpiut) 30 b-|:u]l <D|A liv|&|fi,
&i\ H)-biA8 b|A6 córi)6í\ileAC A3<\]t)i) A|t<\ou ;
a'v ei|*eAt) ]ie buAio-tjeAjtc livtt)
bo co|*t)AtT) At) ]ornlivii) &o pelt).

t)iv ti)-bA6 60)3 M^rO 30 b-pii]l <t)iA Ai)i),
bo cu]ftpit)r) CAiiclAtt) bA lAcAjit ;
a']* tT)iv cA. f6 &eA3CAC i)A bujoeArbAil,

ClobjtAÓ ^6 pttÓll)!) A|IÍV]1J bAtT).

"CioííoIaic fúb cu3Am, A <DblA n}ó\\i,
cuib bob p|tóii)cib ttJjlfe ;
c\xe]b]n) 3U]t biori^AO]!) T170 slótt,
'^■'T* 3utvAb 3AT)i) rorijAlcuf bo cí^te.

í)ív n)-biA]T)t)fe A b-pocAi|t í)bé f-uAi*,
A3Uf biAÓ ú|i bo beir ija C|n)C]oll;
bAÓ 6eACTT)A6 66 rrjo |tuA3A]i),
30 b-pui3ii)t) UA16 ciOT)t) cuibftiw.

í)ív n)-biAii)t)r^ focAiji lAjri) nil* Ai) b-péfun,
3]6bé ^oijAb ]tjA Ti)-bíb;
bív b-pui3]t)i) eoluf aji <t)blA,
bo cAic|:eA6 cuib boí) b|A6 bo |iO|i)i).

6i|t]3, A Oii-ír)," A bei|i PAb|tAi3 ija n)-bACul,
" aY éi|*c ]te i'leACCAji) i)a cle^ite ;"
A be]|tirf)i*e bA. ^•|ieA3|tA6 30 c|iua3,
" ijAjt bA6 i'i<sr) UA|6 ^-jr) njé, a clé]|t]3."

21 bci|t ]*e]|*eAi) l^on) A|tíí* 30 bAijA,
" e^-c |ie citAcAjb i)a 3-cIia(i 3-CA16;"
A beijiiture 311)1 njoAfA l)on) 30 tDó)t,
3AI) 'pioi)!) 'r A fló)5ce A|t VA3A1I.

271

Tlius would I grant tliat God is strong',
If we both had food m equal portions ;
And he, by the victorious strength of his hands,
To keep the whole for himself.

If I deemed that God existed,

I would make a lamentation before him ;
And if he be bountiful or himiane,
He would give me a meal of bread.

Bestow that upon me, great God,
A share of thy sweet meals ;
I ween my voice is idle.
And that the comfort of thy land is but strait.

Were I with God above.

With food in plenty about liim ;

A tithe of it would be my forcible prey.

So that I would get from him leave to join his meal.

Were I in comfort by the Fenians,
In whatever place they are ;
If I could find out God,
He would have to share the food.

Arise, Oisin," says Patrick of the croziers,
" And listen to the orisons of the clerics ;"
I answer him wretchedly, praying,
" May I perish in doing so, cleric."

Again he says to me boldly,

" Hearken to the offices of the chaste clergy ;"

I tell him that I think far more

Of the loss of Fionn and of his hosts.

S72

%t!\]n) 5A17 foot), 5AI) pjAÓAC, 3At; ceol,
A Tt)eAf5 At) ó\\ih Y i)A cl&i|te ;
A5 Aclivt) Y ^3 beuft-cAojO bo p)!xt,
A5 ]Afi|iA)6 f5iv]ce t)A c|tuA]ll-cléi|te.

2l)o ciirbA Ar)0]f of |io rbójt,
aV Dac 5-CAT)Ain) 5Ó b|té|5e;
rAbpA^b cofiAÓ A|i rt)o slóft,
a']' lortj-|tó-f5ftiOf Aji T)A cléijicib.

^Da n)-biA6 ceAt)T)Af r)iv Ttoiijn ajac, a 'Dl)é,

1)í ^<V5píV rtjé Art) AOI)A]t

A n^eAfs Pbívb|iAi5 t)a b-Ajcife,
ceAt)D peAÓijA i)A t)3Ai)i)-cléi|ieAc.

jr 10t>5»?A mon? ")<vr a5ac, a i)b|<x,

ACÍV tllA]t A|l AIJ 5-clél]t ]*0,

T)AC 5-COr5A1)l) CU lAb All f [UjlbíVI),

aY rt)eubu5Ab Aji A Ti)-bé]le.

^a^ ArbÍAiÓ bo beAcu] j^jt bo bujÓeAi),
]te 5ló|t clo5 aV |ie CAijcUrb f Alnj ;
T)] b-10t)3T)A l]0fT7fA bo CU(6 b]6
bo f-eAi'ATb coibce 5AT) cA]ceArb.

Ni S^iUirt), 516 rtjoft bfiiAcftA PbivbftAiS

A5 curt bo clÚfA, A «DbjA COrbACCAlg ;

biv n)-b]A6 A5AC beoc ija bjAÓ,

50 rt)-b)AÓ bo cl|A|t 5 At) |-Oti)AlcA|\

)]• rr)]i)]C bo cot)t)A|tc aoi) pleAÓ AtT)ív]i)
A i)-ívitur t^lS V<^ Ft'lOUe,
bo b'peiv|t|t t)iv A |tAib A5 PivbftA]5
aY A3 ]0tT)^i) t)A ]'Ailrt)-clé)|ie.

S73

í am without mirtli, witliout the chace, without music,
Amidst the monks and clerics ;
Ever groaning and tearfully weeping,
Begging the shelter of the mean clergy.

Seeing that my grief is now very great,
And that I tell no lying falsehood ;
Hearken ye [the Fenians] to my voice,
And work utter destruction on the clerics.

Hadst thou power or generosity, God,
Thou wouldst not leave me alone
With the reviling Patrick,
The chieftain of the stingy clergy.

I marvel if it be thou, God,
That hast rule over this clergy,
That thou stoppest them not from their noise,
And increasest not rather their meal.

If thus thou feedest thy tribe,

With the sound of bells and droning of psalms,

I wonder not that thy food

Should last for ever without being spent.

I grant not, though big the words of Patrick
In proclaiming thy fame, great God ;
That if thou hadst drink or meat
Thy clergy would be comfortless.

Oft have I seen one feast alone

In the dwelling of the king of the Fenians,
Better than all that Patrick ever had.
Or the whole body of the psalm-clerics.
18

274

Nj í)lA til CU]50Af ttj'oCflAf,

3|6 p<xb<\ TT)é A5 cfteuTjAj-;
&A|i T1J0 bft|i\cA]i T)i b-lor)cu)5ce

5llIlAb pmtUf bu]C A ItejOCCAC.

Uc ! cA|i 5Ab Ai) 7-blAr)t) u|le,

T)AC b-cujAib A^ie b'0]fit) cjiuAj?

ir lot)5t)<^ SAP ceAb bo 6]AbAl r)ik. OeAriiAij

T)AC b-C15]b A1)l) A1)0]f A]t CUA||tb.

"pújSpeAb peAfbA bejt A5 C]tiiAb-c^|*,

At) CAÍ) ijAc b-pA5Airt) co|Ia6 A|i 11)0 slófi ;
b'^ú]5 AT) pbjAi)!) n)6 yd AcUxi),
a'i* i)i cu]5]b CAj*i\t) n)o 6ob|tóii).

í)í\ rt)-biA]T)i)|'e ArnA|l bo bjoj*, ciia,

i?1 i<^]VV]VV 50 b|tAc 0|i|tAib n)ATV pbóiDD ;
bo bA|i)pii)t) ceA|tc bo 6eAn)At) i)6 bo 'DblA,
aV d] b]AiT)t) 5AD bjAÓ ibi|i At) 5-cléiít.

Uc ! |-Ut) it^b, A p'blUt) A5ur A OfSAin,
flixi) T*® CO]- AC aY bei|teA6 ija pé)T)T)e ;
5Ioft|tA |*A05A]l curt) Pb^b|tA]5,
A]' curt) iort)l^p) i)A cléi|to !

Uc ! A *t)blA, ]]• é]5eAi) biip)!)
beic 50 bubAC 5At) ai) "pblATji);

Oy A5Ab]\V AC A bo jlAOAjtC,

]:euc aV lei5|f At)oi]* rt)o cjac.

Uc ! A <t)blA, bo ]ié]]x bo ci\jf5,
t)i ^ujl cciitcc A|t<Mt) T)iv b]3e o^c ;
aY ó civ c)tuA3 a'i* caii*o Ab 6A)1,
lto]t)i) lo>iviiic OifíT) bocc.

275

Tliou art not a God that uiiderstandest my Lunge
Though I am long time fasting ;
By my word we must not suppose
That it is easy for thee to relieve it.

Alas ! whither are gone all the Fenians
That they heed not the unhappy Oisin ?
I marvel that in spite of devil or demon,
They come not now to visit me.

I will now leave off complaining,
Since my words bear no fruit ;
The Fenians have left me in lamentation.
And they understand not the path of my griuf.

Were I as I have been, indeed,

I would never call upon you for Fenians ;
I would extort my rights fi-om devil or God,
And I would not be foodless amono- the clerics.

' far e w ell

Alas ! ' farewe il to you, Fionn and Oscar,
hcjiU ! -Farewell to the first and the last of the Fenians ;
Shortness of life to Patrick,
And to the whole body of the clergy !

iVlas ! God, I am compelled

To be in gloom, wanting the Fenians ;
Since it is thou that hast thy sight.
Behold now and heal my darkness.

Alas ! God, according to thy fame.

Thou hast no scantiness of bread or drink ;

And since by thee there is mercy and compassion,

With love make poor Oisin a partaker,

276

Uc ! A "Dbi^, ACivjn) A i;5i\bA,
aV At) "pblAUi) órt) 6í\il A|i ceAl;
beircpiw ]te 5UC tja 5-cl|A|t
b'A b-pu]5]t}r) |tiA|t n7<vit bu6 ceA|tc.

Uc ! A i)blA, At) A]tt)]6 6uic,

1)0 Ai) s-cuaIati* tt)0 ce]fc Aft At) b-'Pé|f)n,

(cUlfipeAi) C|tiOC Aft TDO ]tiv6,)
aY trjAfi sefbirt) Atiivi) ót) 5-cléi|t ?

Uc ! ]]' tDjfe Oiri») TT)AC "pbliJU,

3AI) vorji), S^t) 5t)A0i, A5 cófiteAtt) cloc;
3l6bé uAi]t bo 5e]b]fD At) jfteiti),
If fTAbA A]t]y 50 b-f AJAjrt) at) beoc.

P<\b|tAi5. 'C'A]wye a b-po5ur &u]c, a Oi^it),

c|teub At) sufbe yo A5AC h'A Iua6 ?

11* cofTT)Ail Aijoii* ]teb |iiv]6cib,

50 b-ciub|tAi|i 5|t<x6 bot) ^eA]i f-iiA]*.

Ojfit). 'Do beuTipAb bo ^\i'a6 5AI) 5uAn%

A Pbivb|vA]5. 1)1 IttAibpeAb bjieus ;

rDix CUl]t]b CU5AII) At) C-Ajl^t),
50 CltlAll ba ^llUf* búlt)l) A|tAOt).

(<t) o|tbui5 Pab]tAi5 b'A ti)t)AO] ci^e
■plú||ií-c bfje, A5ii|* f:óf A|tat),
bo cuft curt) 0|ni) cftiiA]5,
50 b-ciii3i:eAb 50 b-puAifi ó Í)1)|a T)A i)5|iív)'.

' From this it would appear that the monks employed the ancient war-
rior in some servile work connected with the building of their churches,
such as a blind man could perform, or it maj^ be an allusion to the beads,
clocha phaidriti, which Oisin was obliged to count.

2 The Deity is frequently thus designated in sucli parts of the Fenian
poems as represent the controversies of Oisin and Patrick. It was a term

277

Alíis ! God, I am in want,

The Fenians being away from me hidden ;
I would listen to the voice of the clergy
Were I ministered to as is right.

Alas ! God, knowest thou,

Or hast thou heard my testimony of the Fenians,
(I will make an end of my speaking)
And how I get bread from the clergy ?

Alas ! I am Oisin, the son of Fionn, [stones ;^

Without energy, without pleasure, arranging
Whatever hour I get the bit,
There is again a long time till I get the drink.

Patrick. I am near thee, Oisin,

What prayer is this thou utterest ?

It appears now from thy words

That thou wilt yield love to the Man above. ^

Oisin. I will undoubtedly yield him love,
Patrick, I will tell no lie ;
If he sends me the bread,
Until we both pass into his dwelling.

(Patrick [then] ordered the woman of his house
To send to the miserable Oisin
Abundance of drink, and moreover bread.
So that he might think that he got it from the
God of grace.

invented by Oisin, who up to the last appears to have formed but a very
dim conception indeed of the nature of the next world, and of spirits.
The Saint here uses the expression himself in order to bring his discourse
to the level of the Fenian's religious understanding.

278

Tf ^]tA|* bo fit) A liim A|t cuAijib ;
bo ^uAi]t M) beoc ']♦ at) c-A|tixt),

ItO CAIC A f-iVlC aY TT)Ol AT) feA|l fuAf.

Ho ba Piv&|tAi5 A b-po5U]* bo,

a'i* bo cAiCT)i5 ]t]|* AT) 5ui6e biv Iua6;
bo 71115 A bu]&e |te Í)]A t)A T)Aorr),
OifÍT) fAob-c&iUe bo ceAcc 50 b-uiT)Al.

4)0 rS^^'lfic OifÍD of- ivjtb sloyi

A|l Pbi^bftA]5 T)A FÓTT)A 50 luAC ;
C<\]t)|5 Al) clelfteAC A|l bAll,

aY lAbA7|i ^]t]y 50 ceAT)T)|*A AT) 7reA|i c|tuA5.)

OI^Í'^ Jr »^<^ic AT) peA|t é bo <t)bl<v,

A Pbivb|iAl5, ']• ir ^ífAl bA|t IjorT) pefi) ;

|tO CU]|t CU5ATT) AT) C-|*iV]C A|iafT),

a' I* beoc T)A b^jl jte b-^IMSl^ at) Iac.

PAbjtA]5. 2t)ivf tt)iat) itjoc, a Oii^ii) cttuai3,
he]t 50 buAT) A |-eA|tc-piviftc «De;
T)iv CAjr peAfbA iort)Ab bot) b]A6,
T)i IT)] AT) |in* bu]6eAT) le cjiAef.

Olfjl). Uc ! A Pbivb|tA|5 T)AC CUlri)lT) leAC,

bo b|fiAC|iA |te I'eAl A]t at) Í))a úb;
If beA]Tb iT)^|- UbAiTTC T:io|i,

T)AC ^-CUJltpCAO A fU]rt) Al) b|Ab ]10]t)t) l]OTT).

Ho 5CaIIa|*, a'v có|TT)ljoT)pAb f-úb,

5AT) C]tíVCC A|l yh]0^m T)ÍV A|l AT) b-'pftp)!) ;
T)iO|l ^eAÍlAV bU]C T)AC T)-]A|tltpA]1)1) AjliVT)
Afl «DbjA T)A T)51ta|', TT)a ^eubAtl) 6.

279

When Oisin the son of Fionn awoke,
lie quickly stretched his hand to search ;
He found the drink and the bread,
He ate and drank till he was satisfied and praised
the Man above.

Patrick was nigh to him,
And he rejoiced as the prayer was repeating ;
He gave thanks to the God of the saints, [ble.
That Oisin who had been foolish was become hum-

Oisin suddenly uttered a loud cry
For Patrick of Rome, quickly ;
The cleric came upon the spot,
And the miserable man spoke mildly to him.)

Oisin. A good man is thy God,

Patrick, and a generous, I trow ;

He sent me a sufficiency of bread, [day.

And drink together with it at the dawning of the

Patrick. If thou wilt, miserable Oisin,

Abide lastingly in the loving fondness of God ;
Consume not for the future much food,
He loves not those devoted to gluttony.

Oisin. Alas ! Patrick, rememberest thou not
Thy words once concerning that God ;
Certain it is, were that saying true, [to me.

" That he would think nought of dispensing food

I promised, and I wiU fulfil that,

Not to speak of Fionn or of tlie Fenians ;

1 promised thee not tliat I would not ask Ijrcad
Of the God of grace, if I miglit get it.

280

H] cui5ceA|i i]on) 5UÍI bAjCUib i)iv bjc
6u]cf e 50 píojt T)ív bob cléi ft ;
Í)IA piaI, 5 civ Ai5e At) c-Aitivt;,
A |to|T)r) 5AC c|tivc Ifon) peji).

P<xb]iAi5. BuAil c'ljcc aY T^euc fi^^^T»

aY 30111 50 C|tUA]Ó Aft CAbAJlCAf í)é J

Tl* 5e<v]tjv uAjc cftiAll At) bivii*,

T)iv clu]i)]n) ]otr}ClX]i) i)ix lAbA]ftc fAeb.

0)|*ÍT). Uc ! A p})i^bfiA]5, ba rtj-bAÓ Óóic liott)
1)AC ijseobAÓ At) 'DiA lib T^eA|i5 c|tib ;
II* |:AbA, Y ir feprpb^O rtjóft Ifot^t),
5At) cjiivcc A|t fh'5^]^ ThW) ^t) tV]n).

P^b|lA|5. t^iV lAbA]|l A|l pblOi;t) t)^ Ajt At) b-'pé]!)!),

t)ó 5eobAi6 it)AC Í3é ]t]oc |:eA|V5 z]i]'ó ;
V] lé]-^ye^6 cu biv 6111) 50 bfi^c,

Ay t)i CUlJtpeAb CU5AC AflAl) 5AC Iao).
0|f]t). i)<x lAlbeO)lAlt)t) A|l 'pblOt)t) "]* A|t At) b-'p'élt)!),

eAbjtA]t)t) AfiAot), A Pl)ivbft<v]5 t)uAi6;

ACC Atb^Xft) 5At) UbAiitc op ^|tb,
1)1 cluit)|:eA6 50 bjiivc ]']\)i) bix Iua6.

PivbftA]5. *t)iv iplc aY feo luAiópirt)]]-

Ajt fluAi5cib pblU»?; A t)3i)iotT) Y <v s-cixfl;

t)] bjAÓ A5 A11)b|ílOf A[t *t)blA,

bjot)!) |riof ajt rt)-bft]<>cixA6 A|5e bo py<xt.
0)]*ii). Jy uA]5t)eAc bojls ai) bioitjbívó

llOtt)]'A, A PbiVbllA]5 T)A l)v\Ott)-cl|Att,
5At) lAbAlflC 50 tt)|l)IC A|l At) b-pe)!)!),

281

I think not that it is grief or loss
To thee, in truth, or to thy clergy ;
That the generous God, since he hath the bread,
Should continually dispense it to me.

Patrick. Beat thy breast and look up,

And call earnestly for the gift of God : [death,
But a short space from thee is the approach of
Let me not hear reviling or foolish talk.

Oisin, Alas ! Patrick, did I think

That that God would not be angered thereat ;

It seems long, and is a great woe to me,

Not to speak of the ways of Fionn of the deeds.

Patrick. Speak not of Fionn nor of the Fenians,

Or the son of God will be angry with thee for it ;

He would never let thee into his fort,

And he would not send thee the bread of each day.

Oisin. Were I to speak of Fionn and of the Fenians
Between us two, Patrick the new ;
But only not to speak loud,
He never would hear us mentioning him.

Patrick. However low we might discourse

Of the hosts of Fionn, their deeds and their fame ;
It would not be unknown to God,
He ever has knowledge of our words.

Oisin. It is a desolate sore woe

To me, Patrick of the holy clergy.
Not to speak often of the Fenians,
Yet I will give it up if it angers God.

Pí\b|iA|5- Nív lu<xi6ceAji leAc i)]S a|i b|c
leAc AtDuic bo cAbAitcAf <t)é ;
i;ó tt)ív bí|i A5 luAÓ Aji cívc,
t)'] c|t]All t)u]c, c|iA, 50 ceAc r)A i)Aeib-

0|fíi> <t)eui)|:Abf*A, A Pb^&|tA]5, A Ttéii»,

A71 'lp\)]or)t) r)5x A|i Ai) b-'pé]t)r) \)] luA]6peAb ;

A|t eA5lA pe]]i5e cu|i i)^ i;-bí\]l,

A clé]^]^, nj^V 5PÍVC |t]f be^c 3fiuATT)A.

Pívb|tAi5. Mí bei8 a b-pe]|i3 p^ a i)3jinA]rt7
leACfA, Acc 5Ar) Iuaó ijío|* |-]a
A|i bo f Aob-|iívi6cib fío|t5oíic,
If louTTjuit) rir» c|tA, bo 5ui6e.

5U]6iiií|*e bo jo^c é 5AC uA]|t bou ló ;
n)ur)A i)5eobAi6 KeA|i5 i)ív 5|iuAirt7,
TTjo cftiAll ]ti|- fuAf 50 búi) i;a t>-ópb.

PAb|iAi3. jf beA]tb l]ort)fA, a Oinr) C|iuAi5,
5u|t n^Aic bo luAÓ Aijo]f le Í)]a ;
T|- ]OT)i)rr>u]T) liott) bo fioytjloft,
i;í\ UbAiit v]OY TT)ó A|t pblouT) riA b-'pjAut).

Oii'íi;. 2l)o i;uATv, a Pbívb]tAi3 ! ]f c]tuA3 ai; r3eiil
3A1? UbAiiic A|t euccAib 'pbiuu i)a |*Uu\3 ;
ir iou3i)A Ijon) 30 T)3eobA6 peA|t3

Í)IA 1M b-flA1CCAf C|téTt) CIlUA3-5lófl.

(Ke lii)t) VA Ti)-b]tc]C|ieA6 |-|j; bo ]tí\6
b'Oifíu ívjtfA bo b']oi;i;riniiU ^"l^í
1X0 it)ocAi3 fé AT) ceub fAi3GAb 30 un
bo CA]c At; C-0U5 pív i;-A clú]b.)

283

Patrick. Let nought whatever be mentioned by thee
Excepting the gift of God [i.e. liis grace] ;
Or, if thou talkest constantly of others,
Thou, indeed, shalt not go to the house of saints.

Oisin. I will, Patrick, do his will.

Of Fionn or of the Fenians I will not talk ;
For fear of bringing anger upon them,

cleric, if it is his [i.e. God's] wont to be angry.

Patrick. He will not be in anger or displeasure
With thee, if only thou talk no longer
Of thy usual foolish discourse,
Dear to him, truly, is thy prayer.

Oisin. I pray to that God forthwith,

1 constantly pray to him every hour of the day ;
If he be not angry or displeased, [the degrees.'
Tliat I may pass up with him to the dwelling of

Patrick. Sure am I, miserable Oisin,

That now thy speech to God is good ;

Dear to me thy constant voice,

Speak no more of Fionn or of the Fenians.

Oisin. Woe is me, Patrick I it is piteous to say

That I must not speak of the mighty acts of Fionn

of the hosts ;
I marvel that anger should seize [voice.

The God of heaven on account of my wretched

(Even during the speaking of those words
By the ancient Oisin whose desire was fond ;
He felt the first sharp arrow
That death darted into his bosom.)

' The degrees or orders. That is, of angels and of saints.

284

Oi|*ít). 21 Pl)^b|iAi5 i)A n)-b<vcul nj-bíxt),
]\)V]r 5At) rpH ^'Oirín c|iua5 ;
C|ieub é <vr) rtjoó a &-c|5 at) bív]*,
óf 5tjívc jt]Oc be]c bív lu<\Ó.

Pívb|tAi5. ^'^ eA5Al leAC a cíiiaU cu5ac ?
A 0]y]^), bo jiúi) tjív ce^l, cjtA ;

TTja C|6l|l A b-p05Uf A f*ArbA]l bU]C,

A CftUA5ÍXlt} ! 501 ft A]t í)blA t)A l)5r»^r-

0||'ín. Fo Tbocuj^eA]* ArbA]l 50irb ó bé]rt)
A3 f AfjeAb Art7 CAob 50 C|tuAi6 ;

]10 CUfTTJTJlJeAf A|l ceACC ATT) 6^]l,

bor) bAol-b&f úb bíji A5 Iua6.
PívbftA]5. )!• beA|tb l]on)V^< ^ 0]x]\) cfiuAjs,

5utt r<si5e^^ & ri') o ^uAir ai? bí^ir;

aY 50 b-ciocpAfÓ i-AjjeAb ofle r)A 60015,
boijtc bo 6eoi|t A|t <t)b)A i)A iJSTtí^r*

0||*ír). 21 Pb<vbítAi5, bív T)-iA]titpA]j)u Aft <t)blA
Ai) bíx]* ]*o t)o cft^All uAjrT) feAl pór,

At) bAOJAl bATT) A ^^AflJ bO lllAÓ ?

If bo]l5 'f if cftuA5 AT)0]f n)0 b|tóu !

P^b|tAi5 3iM^ ^l^ "^ófi i)A i)-uile sitivi",

Auoif a'i* 3AC cjtíxc Afi peAÓ bo jt<>e ;

TT)eubu5A6 A|t joft) bo p&ii;e,

a'i* c'ArjAti) bo f AOjtAÓ ó\) n)-bjte|c i)-béit).

' It is probable tliat Oisin liad seldom witnessed death except upon tlie
battle-field, and was therefore ignorant of its symptoms when produced
by mere decay. Many centuries after the Fenian epoch it was considered
an extraordinary thing for a man, not being in the church, to meet any
but a violent death, and the Annals of the middle and later ages gene-
rally notice such an event, staying that such an one met with "death

285

Oisin. Patrick of the white croziors, ,

Tell speedily to the miserable Oisin ;
In what guise comes death/
Since it is thy wont to discourse of it.

Patrick. Fearest thou that it is drawing near thee '(
Oisin, conceal not, indeed, thy secret ;
If thou see his semblance at hand,

wretched one ! call upon the God of grace.

Oisin. I have felt as it were a wound from the blow
Dealt sorely by an arrow in my side ;

1 thought upon the coming to me

Of that black death'^ of which thou talkest.

Patrick. I am certain, miserable Oisin,

That that is an arrow from the danger of death ;
And that another arrow will come after it.
Pour forth tliy tears to the God of grace.

Oisin. Patrick, were I to ask of God

To let that death pass from me for a while yet.
Should I be in danger of incurring his anger ?
Bitter and woeful is my sorrow now !

Patrick. Pray to the great God of all grace.

Now and at all times during thy life ;
To increase the wounding of thy torment,
And to save thy soul from the fierce judgment.

upon the pillow" (bivi* ^-^] <\óAiric), and often adding that it was a matter
of surprise to all men.

* t5Aol-bí\rí black death. Compounded of bAol, a chafer or little black
insect of the beetle kind, (used by the Irish to denote great blackness,
as Aol, lime, to signify whiteness), and bAf, death.

286

Oifji). Uc ! A pbc\&pAi3, ir c^"<^3 ^^ rs^wi'

]X leo|i bo f-eAt)ó]|v at) piAi? Tt)A|i ac^,
a'i* 5A1? cuiUeAÓ i)A b^]l, A ^i|i or) T?óiTb.

PívbjtAis. Mív b-AbA]|t rW, A Oirir) |to cituA]5,

ciocfAiÓ o|tc SuA^f At) biv|f 50 5|tob ;
b&]t) bo fíoccí\]Tj |te Ííja trjofi,

|t01Tb CeACC AT) b|lÓIT; 'I'A T)AT)n7Alt) 0|lC.

i)o b'peivftfv liort)|*A, a Oi|*ir) c|tuAi5,

CU AtbAjlC ]*UAf A^l *t)b|A 50 KiOTt;

aY Accujt) ^ív rpAiceArb z'A]x)\i]4^r),
T)iv be]c A5 iA|t|iAi6 cuiUjO tA0]3]l.

)Aft|t pÓ|* 0|irt)f A aY A|t Ai; 5-clélfl

TTjAiceArt) ai;t) 5AC |*Aob-5ló|t

bivyt CAtjA]!* leo A3uf Ijort) jAt) cú]|*,

aY Tjik. CU|TbT)]5 A|t pblOOT) T)ÍV A|l A fluA^.

Ojfii). )A|tftA]rT) TtjAiceArb A|i i)blA A^ i^-cUTf,

aV 0|tCfA p^ jlúl), A Pbi^b|tA]5 1)UAlb ;
i)i iA|t|tpAb n^AiceArb a^ at) 5-clé]]v,
T)í cu]be 6u]r é bo be]c biv IuaS.

P;\biiAi5. 2t)ui)A b-cu5Ai|t HMiceArb bo ua b-uiMb,
A 0]y']r), V] cu]be 6uic |:é]i)
njA^ceATb b'(Afi|iAi6 Ab c|Ot)t)CA]b itjofiA,
AT)0||* t)iv 50 beo Afx Aot) rbAC í)é.

Oifíu. 2t)AicirT7 bu]c|*o Aju]- bóib fíib,
A PbívbjtAi5, ó ]x(n) n)o clc]b ;
Ay c]ic]t>)n) 5u|i ^'^011 bo 'DbiA
i)AC lAb AU cl]A|i jto ciqll iiA|rt) é.

287

Oisin. Alas ! Patrick, it is a miseralile thing- to say

That I must beseech the Son of God to increase

my sorrow ;
Sufficient for an old man the punishment as it is,
Without adding to it, man from Rome.

Patrick. Say not that, most miserable Oisin,

The peril of death will speedily come upon thee ;
Make thy peace with the great God,
Before the sorrow come upon thee.

I would rather, indeed, miserable Oisin,
That thou wouldst sincerely look up to God ;
And ask forgiveness of thy trespasses,
Than that thou shouldst ask longer life.

Ask, moreover, of me and of the clergy

Forgiveness for each foolish speech [to me,

Which thou hast without cause uttered to them and
And think not of Fionn nor of his host.

Oisin. I ask forgiveness of God to begin with.

And of thee secretly, Patrick the newly come ;
I will ask no forgiveness of the clergy,
It is not fitting for thee to mention it.

Patrick. If thou forgive not all,

Oisin, it is not fitting that thou thyself
Shouldst ask forgiveness for thy great crimes,
Now or ever, from the only Son of God.

Oisin. I forgive thee and them,

Patrick, from my inmost bosom ;

And I believe it is true for God

That the clergy did not deserve it from me.

S88

AT> TT)-b|A6 t)A 5fti^ir) At) AOt) rpAC <l3é ;

o\in) bis, b-cftiicc|:A]T)t) a'i* A|t 'pbio»?'?»

ACC 5AT) lAbATftC A|t CU]lleA6 bOT) 'pb^li?')?
Pi\b|tA15. M^ lAbA]|t aY ^ÍV CU]tb015 A|V f\)]01)^,

lyA p6f civ puÓAjjt A|i Oi*5A|i rfteur) ;

A|V A T)5Alf5e 1)iV A|t A T)-euCCA]b CjlUAOA,

15Í1 bj biv Iua6 a Oifit) bAOjc.

0]f]t). )y boils ition^rA A Pbivb|tAi5,

*t)iA 3ib 5tti\frbA|t ior)i)n)ii]D ^jaI ;

5A1? UbAiitc fó ]túo A|l pbio')!?,

11* bion^baó l]Otr) Y A|t fluA5 ija b-piAt^u.

C]or)i)Uf ir Aicr)i6 6att) A|t bo <t)blA,
A Pbivb|tA]5 ijA 5-cliA]t, rt^a cii peAjt^ ?
Pi\bitAi5. i)i i^AbA 5u|i iieAf bu^c é,

A feAT)ónt léic, ]y l]on) ]y beAftb.

(Ho 5A]|tlT) P^bllA15 Ajt A clé))teAC,

a'i* biibA]|tc y]\]y, élfc TiiotT) yix ]i(u);

buAjl lorf) bAi|*e A|x 0|fÍT),

bo ;^0]t)peAf 30 c|tO|6e é ^-ó puOAjn.

Bo buA^l AtJ clé)|teAC 50 CjtUAlÓ

Ion? bAi|*e Aft 5|tiiA6 aij y]\i léjc;
bo uAil A b-|:05A]t-5uc 5|tiviT)eArbAil,
a'i* |to 50111 A|i coi;5i)Ari7 A01; rbic í)&.)

Pívb]tAi3. C|teub é, a Oi|-ítj, (A]t Pívb|tAi5),

bo bA^i) t;a ^ívjtcA a|*ac 50 5A]tb ?

0]|*itj. bA|* bo buAilcAÓ o|trn 50 c|tiiAi8,

ito 50]T) ^)o 5jtuA8 A3iif njo Icaca.

289

Oiain. Knowest thou, Patrick, [God,

Whether it would be hateful to the only Son of
Were I to talk of myself and of Fionn,
But not to speak of any more of the Fenians ?

Patrick. Speak not and think not of Fionn,

Nor yet what woe the mighty Oscar suffers,
Of their valor or of their hard exploits.
Mention them not, foolish Oisin.

Oisin. It is a grief to me, Patrick,

Although God is gracious, loving, liberal ;

Not to speak privily of Fionn,

It is melancholy to me, and of the Fenians.

How can I know when thy God,
Patrick of the clerics, is angered ?
Patrick. Thou shalt not be long without knowing it,
grey old man, I am certain.

(Patrick called for his clerk,

And said to him, hearken to me secretly ;

Strike a stroke of thy palm upon Oisin,

Which shall wound him to the heart with sorrow.

The clerk struck sorely [man ;

A stroke of his palm on the cheek of the grey
He cried with a loud-sounding voice of horror,
And called on the help of the only eon of God.)

Patrick. What is this, Oisin, (quoth Patrick),

Which has made thee give the harsh cries ?

Oisin. A palm has been sorely struck upon me,
Which has wounded my cheek and face.
19

290
P^brt<xi5- ]]• cu]n)]í) |t]oc 5Uft cu 0|ni) qteuij.

P<xb|t<vi5. T^^ ^"I^^Mr K^^l^S ^o'> "MC 't3é)
If eA3Al l^ort) p&|tj, c|téb lii<v6.

Oiritj. jr loosoA iiort^f A, A Pbivb|iAi3,

i)lA of 3]ti^|*ri7A]t c|iuA5 A3Uf ceAjtc ;
30 r)30ir)peA6 7*6 30 c|tuAi6
boccivT) A]i A 5ftuA6 |ie lon)-bA]f.

PivbfiA]3. "Cd-^ fuAf bo c|toi6e a']* peuc A|t í)blA,
A 0|f^t), bo cjtiAll t)i pAbA uAic ;
n)A]t bo i)A b-uil]b ]\e livr)bfoi)i),
c^ AT) ]*A]3eAb ion) A3 ceAcc 30 Iuac.

Oint). )A|t|lA]rT) t17AlCeAri)1)Af A|t <t)blA Tt)Ó|t,

n)A]ceArbf)Af póf bo beinitt) bo civc ;
3Ab CU3AC Ab 6ÚT) rt)&, a t)blA,

aY 7-101)t) Y AT) "FblAiJt) 5AI) fCAb Art) ÓÍV]l !

Pívb|tAi3. Ko peAcui5]f, a OiriD, 30 leo|t,

aV "Pioi)!) V a f*ló]3ce b' |A|1]iai6 Ab bi\]l ;
r)] ]tACf A|Ó AOt) bjob fiib

30 plAICeAf 1)A tj-búl 30 líV AT) b|líV|C.

Oiríi). ^^ sl<^cA]r feA|t3 c|tétT) 3lófi,

A]t luAÓ f'lól5CeAÓ "pblT)!), TDO SUAjf !
T)í C|tí^CCpAb 0|t]tA, A <t)bl<V, 30 b|tíVC,
TT)AireATT) ATT) |líV|6cib CAbAlJl UA]C !

(Ho líot) Ai)bpAit)i)e 5UAife at) h'<X]Y

Ajl OlfÍT), C|tA, 30 l<Vt)C|tUA3 ;

ué ! AT)t) ni) T)í TtAib Ai3e y}>é]y

A T)-0j*3A]l C|ieiH) 1)ÍV A b-*p]OT)1) 1)A fl"A3'

' St, Patrick did not here mean to intimate tliat Fionn and tlie Fenians
would be admitted to heaven at the day of judgment. 5o la At) b^iixrA,
to the day of judgment, as denotiujj a very long time, came finally to

291

Patrick. Thou reinemberest that thou art the mighty Oisiii.
Oisin. Doubtless I remember, newly come Patrick.
Patrick. Thou hast earned the anger of God's only Son,
T fear indeed, by thy speech.

Oisin. Truly I marvel, Patrick,

Since God is gracious in mercy and justice ;
That he would sorely wound [a palm .

A wretched one upon his cheek with the blow of

Patrick. Lift up thy heart and look to God,

Oisin, thy departure is not far from thee ;
Forgive all with full heartiness,

The naked arrow is coming swiftly.

Oisin. I crave forgiveness from the great God,

Forgiveness, moreover, I give to all others ;
Take me to thee into thy fort, God, [delay !
And let Fionn and the Fenians be by me without

Patrick. Thou hast sinned, Oisin, sufficiently, [thee ;
In that thou askest for Fionn and his hosts to be by
Not one of them shall go [judgment.*

Into the kingdom of the elements till the day of

Oisin. If thou hast been angered by my voice

In speaking of the hosts of Fionn, alas ! my peril !

1 will not speak of them, God, for ever,
Grant me forgiveness for my words !

(The weakness of the extremity of death came full
Upon Oisin, in truth, most miserably ;
Alas ! he then took no delight
In the mighty Oscar or in Fionn of the hosts !

mean for ever, and when coupled with a negative, never, to all eternity.
Similar is the phrase 50 btiuiot) ai) b^ivcA, and the common expressioii
50 bttixr, to the judgment, i.c for ever.

292

Ko c|téi3 ^t) co]tp uile AT)r) 3AC BaU
A luic, A CeATjr), A TjeAjtC, 'f A T^iAT);
bo clA0]ÓeA6 n7A]i fjT) jt]!* at) eu5
OifiD t)A "peiorje bA f-Aob c^aU.

2I5 rit) ")A]t bo fUb AT) c-eu5
O^i^iT) bA cfteuT) TjeAjic a']" lú]c ;
ATbA]l ÓeuTjpAf At) u]le Iaoc,
biv b-c]OC):Af t)a 6&]5 •pofif at) ujit.

jl* é bo clAoi6p]6 A b-c^ocpAio, c|ia,
a't* T^o cIao|6 a b-ci\iT)i5 it^ATt) ^oy ;
5At) ibijtbeAlbAÓ ido6 t)íi T?^]V>
tt)a6 c^tuAJ; t;6 cfteuT)rT)A|t bó]b.)

' It is difficult, if not impossible, to produce an English translation
of an Irish poem or piece of poetical prose which shall not appear full of
tautology. In Irish compositions there is, indeed, frequently a great
repetition of ideas, but this is more allowable where the writer has so
many synonymes at his command. The Irish is exceedingly copious and
expressive in all directions in which it has been cultivated ; and powerful
and rich as the English language is, it cannot describe with the same
copiousness, variety, and nicety, the gradations of the passions and
feelings, all the face of nature, battles, and other things which en-
gaged the attention of the Irish when their language flourished. Let
any one, who is in any degree acquainted with the tongue, reckon how
many words there are in it to express various degrees of love, of joy,
of sorrow, of hatred; how many names for a hill ; how many words to
denote generosity or penury, bravery or cowardice, beauty or ugliness,

293

The body was deserted in every limb

by its vigor, its nerve, its strength, its motion

Thus was overthrown by death

Oisin of the Fenians who had been but foolish.

Thus it was that death carried off

Oisin, whose strength and vigor had been mighty ;

As it will every warrior

Who shall come after him upon the earth.

That it is which shall, indeed, vanquish all that shall
come, [come ;

And which has vanquished all that ever yet have
Without distinction of form or choice,
Whether they be wretched or mighty.)

then try to match each with au English equivalent, and the truth of what
has been said must appear. Hence in describing throughout the poem
how Oisin had lost his strength, words have been unavoidably repeated in
the translation where in the original we find synonymes, each differing
however by some shade of meaning.

It is proper to state that " The Lamentation of Oisin for the Fenians,"
as given above, is printed from the Editor's collection of Fenian poetry
written by Martin Griffin of Kilrush, in the year 1845, and from a mis-
cellaneous MS. by Thomas Geoghegan, of Glenduff, in the county of
Limerick, 1820, now the property of the Rev. James Goodman, of
Skibbereen, county of Cork, whom the Editor begs to thank for the
ready manner in which he lent his MS.

ADDITIONAL NOTES.

NOTE I.
On the Race of Diarmuid.
Tlie romance of Diarmuid and Grainne was written in accordance
with the southern tradition (apparently a very old one) that Diarmuid
was of the tribe known as Earna Mumhan, or the Ernaans of Mun-
stcr, and that his country was Kerry. Here follows a genealogy of
Diarmuid by some Munster poet, in which the same tradition is sup-
ported, which appears to be the production of the thirteenth or four-
teenth century ; but who the author was, and in what manuscript the
oldest versions of it exist, the Editor has not had the necessary oppor-
tunities for discovering, except that it is also to be found in a MS.
of 1706-9 in the R. I. A. The present version, which is certainly a
very correct one as far as language is concerned, is derived from a ma-
nuscript of varied and interesting contents written in 1814-19 by Tomas
O h-lcidhe (Thomas Hickey) of Killenaule, county of Tipperary, Pro-
fessor of Irish at St. John's College, Waterford, who appears to have
transcribed from good manuscripts. This book now belongs to Mrs.
Mackesy of Castletown-Kilpatrick, Navan, a Member of this Society,
who has kindly lent it for the purpose of making this extract.

Se2li^CD2lS SniKSIOK t5D12lR2f)Ut52l THE history of the korefa-

^ ' THERS OF DIARMUID ODUIBHNE

ui t3])Uit)i)we 5UMW.

DOWN HERE.

^]tp ÓAtt) bul tte feAlJCAf, Time for me to apply myself to a history
to beAtlbAf SaIcaiTI CljAinll ; Which the Psalter of Cashel testifies;

1JÍ blU, 510t) 5UTt Ab olc n/AlCije, I will not be, tho' my knowledge bo not bad,

DÍ bur rAibe ii)A b-A5Ai6. ^"y '""s^'" °pp°^^<> *° "•

SaIcaiTV c-|t)Dle|C1teAC CbAinU, The Psalter of Cashel of the Head-letters, 1
bejC 1)A 1)-A5A1Ó ir Ali)5ATt ; To oppose it will cause regret :

eolAC n)& At) C-fAlcAin t"'*!'^''!''. ^ ''"^ ^'='■^^'1 '" ^''•^ speckled Psalter, 2

eolAC 1 An UAirMb emiODtJ. I^ '« ""^^^^^ '" »"<= "oWes of Erin.

eolAC t1)6 rnixice tCAiJcAjr, I am versed in tho thread of history,

(ijjotl b'i A^ ce'AV.^ r^O njoc-ceAftb ;) C^''** »■■' '» "° «"''"^ [herd's] art ;) 3

ATt 5e).,eAlAc b-rcAn n-'^UbAO, ^" '"^' f "-'"«y f ^»'«= -- /^ ^'^^»' " ,

' -^ ' . ^ And of thobright-weaponcdmenof Erin.

ir b-peATi i).Ann)-5lAt) tj-Cmiotji).

A tribe [i.e. some] of them arc of the race
the CoUas, 5
They were tho choice of every force ;
A'r ftncAn) b'llAlvllb At) lAttCAin, And a tribe of the nobles of the west,

Ó A b-VU|l OjAtltpAlb t5uibt)e. From whom was Diarmuid O'Duibhnc.

CtteAtt) bjob Ati fliocc f)A 5-CoUa
FA l)-iAb r*05A 5ACA bu)6i)e ;

295

Fix tijAC SO CtjOttC t5lAttn}A|t3,

FUAin re e]Ati)x>ift ir feosnwiiJs ;

tJotji) Fix TÍjAC v)\c so djAjttbfte,
FeA|t nivn lAtt CA]fi6e cotijlAjni).

Cottc, nfott b'oittceAr A óoAttn)Afi,
biAjó A feAptAf ATI ca]n)t}e,
(ir eATti)Aióe 2t)un)Ai) t)ív cíx)t)ceAtt,)
ó A t^íviéceAfi CottCA Uí t)í)«ibt)e.

IU5A1Ó aUacac fjÓftÍjAtl,
lAoc njAjc &o n)ó\iA6 ftiviijA ;
T115 3l)uri)A!), ceAttc a f-Atijuil,

Oob ACAItl 00 2J)1}05A lÁ\ri)A.

Rf 2f)uri)Aij t)A ij.&eATic 5-CAori)5lAr,
&ob é Ai> FeAt% tA0t\5lAtj fuiitjeAc ;
CAiftbtie cfxonj-ceAijij i)A i)5eAl-5lAC,
60 txó bA 6eA5TtjAC lu|5óeAc.

?f)AC ejaiTirseoil 1115 5A0ÓAI,
i)att cuiTi Aotj i:eA]i Afi ca]|i6e ;
CotjA]Tte &ob teATtlt ni5e,
tTA »t)AC FJt^e CAi|\b|xe.

CAlt^bT^e |:iot)t)-ti)ótt ai) oeAS-feAn,
tjA. FUAiri !5íx ojrjeAc t)A)tte ;
ttj 2t)un)Ai) Ai) &éAí5 &Aic-5eAl,
é bob ACAiTi bo CbAlTib|te.

DiarmaiJ was son to Core,
He suffered gloom and woe ; 6
l)onn was aon's son to Cairbre,
A man who aslted not for respite i

figlil.

Core, lie should not be forgotten.
His history shall be remembered ;
(And let not the Earnaidhe of Munster be

dispraised,) 7
From whom Is named Corca Ui Dliuibhne. 8

Lughaidh AUathaoh, 9 who observed the cus-
toms,
A good warrior whom poets magnified ;
King of Munster, few are like him.
Was father to Mogha Lamha. 10

King of Munster of the mild blue eyes,
Truly he was a noble pure loving man ;
Cairbre Cromcheann of the white hariJs,
He was the goodly son of Lughaidh.

The son of Eidirsgeol 11 king of the Gael,
Who never put off any man ; 12
Conaire, 13 the best of kings.
His true son was Cairbre. 14

Cairbre Fionnmhor, 15 the good man,
Who earned not shame on the score of ge-
nerosity ;
King of Munster, tlie white -toothed 0110,
He was father to Cairbre,

CAIttbtxepí^rijAC&oCbotJAItteéotttj-njótt, Cairbre was son to Conaire Dornmhor,
fii 2t)a.l5e A5Ur 2t)lupAl7 ; Ki"g «f ^^'«^ ^""^ °^ Mumha ; "

A5 ril ^i^ n)^^ >'o fteAttbAt,
bloó bo f-eAi)CAr »)A 5-cuTtAft.

There ye have as I certified.
Part of the history of the heroes.

2i5 ril rsAtjcur Uí tJ^uib^e,
le Att óoilse cé]ti) Ati 5-cúlAib ;
t5]Attt1)Al6 &0t)I7-F0lCAC béi&5eAl,
ijAt^ lél5 éi5iot} ijA 6it]cce.

O Gibjitrseol v^A]\\ tijire,
(eolut PAc iijir^e oAtbr-i^ ;)
5Abívlcut f)A b-peAfv b-fleAÓAc,

50 b-^^TM') CTVeACAC CAltt)A.

Ceictte ní no 5Ab %t)an)A,
U|n> Aij rtiUAS t)5uriijAt^ i)-oeA56«
Af c|\f |tí bo 5Ab FoblA,
U|tt) U]\]l) CftÓÓA céAbt)A.

There ye have the history of O'Duibline,
To whom a step backwards was grief;
Diarmaid, the brown-haired, the whito-

toothed, [ritory.

Who suffered no violence to enter his tcr-

From Eidirsgeol I have gotten,
(Knowledge which is an advantage to 1110 ,)
The conquest of the feast giving men.
To brave Ailin of the forays.

Four kings rnled over Mumha,
Of the race of the powerful goodly areli ;
And three kings ruled Fodla,
or the race of the same brave Ailin.

296

Oi5tt6 AtJ tijólTtfeirift lijjleAÓ, The heir of the siven warriors, 18

corbóm bíljor 5*0 Oivinje ; The dear theme of all poets ; [men.

^ t ■ ' 1 • Who hare marked him succeeding the good

''.','. ^^ '' Even him by the virtue of his arm.

ejrjoi) A lejc A livjnje.

2í)icií) bAtijrA ceACC CAft t5f)iAtinM|0, Time for me to cease treating of Diarmald,

A luA& 5IÓ &1ACAITI liane ; T!'""^.'' '° ^*^ ^° '^ ^"^.^ *° "^'
n)Aft bo bj éATÍ) t)A CATtTtAJS,
t3li5]nj bejc AitjlAjó ujnje.

PeAfAC tljé An bar Uj tibuibtje, I '<"ow the death of O'Duibhne,

T)i &0ll5e liotl) l&AT) Olle ; "o other woe can make me grieve ;

' ,. , . . , It slew the bright- weaponed pure [warrior],

' ' '" ' o I ' o '» And he slew the deadly swme.

Since he was as a rock to me, 19
; am bound to be so to him.

Af 00 ti)A|tbtAt) Aij njuc i)iii)e.

[This is] the noblest history in books, [ancy ;
A branching genealogy of abundant brilli-

SeAi^cAf ir UAjfle A leAbttAjb,
cftAobfeAtjcAr ir leoTi 5lle ;
be)5-nol GAbA Ar 2lóAirij,
fUAr 50 nj&cAiTt K)5 tjeiiije. 2t}ici&. Time

CTtAobfeADCAr ir leon 5lle ; The goodly seed of Eve and Adam,

be)5-riol GAbA Ar 2lÓAlrij, Up to the mother of the king of heaven.

' The Psalter of Cashel was an ancient Irish manuscript in prose and
verse compiled in the end of the ninth century by Cormac Mac Cuilea-
nain, bishop of Cashel and king of Munster. It was compiled from the
Psalter of Tara and other very ancient records, and was said to have
been added to, after Cormac's death, down to the eleventh century.
O'Reilly states tliat this valuable work was extant in Limerick in the
year 1712, but it is not now known to exist. The greater part of its
contents, however, are to be found in the books of Lecan and of Bally-
mote. Vide An. Four Mast. p. 204, n. Connellan's Ed. Dublin, Geraghty,
1846. This book was most probably illuminated in the same splendid
manner as the book of Kells, whence the poet calls it "of the head
or initial letters."

* The speckled psalter. This refers either to the binding of the book,
or to the variegated appearance of the illuminations.

' iV(( swineherd's art. That is, no ignoble or plebeian art.

* The men of Alba, that is, the Higlilanders of Scotland, who at tlie
time that this poem was written were absolutely one people with the
Irish, not alone in blood, but in language, manners, and intercourse.
Consequently the Irish shanachies were well skilled in the genealogies of
their chiefs. It was only in later times, after the first plantations in
Ulster, that the term Albannach was applied by the Irish to Lowland-
ers.

» Fiacha Sraibhtine, (son of Cairbre LifTeachair, who was slain in the
battle of Gabhra), was king of Ireland A.D. 285. lie had one son,

297

Muireadliacli Tireach, and a brother, Eocliaidli Doimhlen. The latter
had three sous, CairioU, Muireadhach, and Aodh, commonly called the
three CoUas, i.e. Colla Uais, CoUa Dachrich, and Colla Meann. In the
year 322 these tliree killed Fiacha Sraibhtine, and in 324 Colla Uais
became king. In 326 Muireadhach Tireach expelled the three Collas
into Scotland along with three hundred men, and became king in C>27,
in which year the Collas also returned with but nine men, and were
reconciled to Muireadhach Tireach. Keating gives their history at
length. Colla Uais, the eldest, is the ancestor of the Mac Dounells,
Mac Allisters, and Mac Dougalls, of Scotland ; Colla Da chrich of the
Mac Mahons, Maguires, Mac Canns, O'Hanlons, &c. of Ulster ; and
Colla Meann of the tribes of Crioch Mughdhorn, or Cremorne, in the
county of Monaghan.

* That is, Diarmuid was persecuted by Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
' The Earnuidhe, that is, the descendants of Oilioll Earann, an Ulster
prince of the race of Heremon. They were also called Clanna Deagh-
aidh ; and being expelled from Ulster by the race of Ir, or Clanna Rory,
settled in Munster, where Duach Dalta Deaghaidh, king of Ireland,
assigned them possessions, about A.M. 3892. These tribes afterwards
rose to great power.

« According to O'Heerin the district of Corca Ui Dhuibhne, extending
from the river Mang to Ventry Harbour, belonged in the fourteenth
and fifteenth centuries to O'Falvey, of the race of Conaire II.

9 Lughaidh Allalhach (or Allathain), according to O'Flaherty, was
great grandson of Conaire Mor, who became king of Ireland A.M. 5091,
and was killed at Bruighean da Dhearg, on the river Dodder, near
Dublin, A.M. 5160. The situation of this place is still marked by the
name Bohernabreena (Bothar ua Bruighne). Lughaidh Allathach was
grandfather to Conaire II.

'0 Modha Lamha was the father of Conaire II. Ann. Four Mast. A.D.
158.

" The son of Eidirsceol. Eidirsceol, or Ederscel according to the
ancient orthography, was king of Ireland from A.M. 5085 to 5089, when
he was slain by Nuadha Neacht at Ailinn (Knockaulin in the county of
Kildare). He was succeeded A.M. 5091 by his son Conaire Mor, (Conary
the great) vide supra, n. 9.

'2 It was a point of honour amongst the ancient Irish not to refuse
any request, especially if made by a poet, and this custom often placed
them in serious predicaments on which are founded many stories. Red
Owen Mac Ward (a celebrated Ulster poet, who was hanged by the Earl
of Thomond in 1672) in a panegyrical poem on the Clann t-Suibhne, or
^lac Sweenys, tells a legend of one of their ancestors who, being unable
to detach from his finger a ring which a poet asked should be given
iiira on the spot, hacked oS" the limb.
20

298

'3 Coiiaire. Conaire II. son of MoJlia Lauilui, succeeded Conn of
llio hundred battles as king, A.D. 158. and was slain A.D. 165.

'* Cairbrc. This was Cuirbre Muse, eldest son of Conaire. From
him came the IMuscraighe (descendants of Muse), who possessed Musc-
raighe Breogain (the barony of Clanwilliam in the county of Tipperary) ;
Muscraighe Thire (the baronies of Upper and Lower Ormond in the
same county) ; and IMuscraighe Mitine (the barony of Muskerry or
Musgry in the county of Cork). The other sons of Conaire were
Cairbre Baschaoin, from whom came the Baiscnigh (O'Baiscins and
O'Donnells of the baronies of Moyarta and Clonderalaw in the county
of Clare), and Cairbre Riada (i.e. Rioghfliada, of the long ulna) from
whom the Dal-Riada of Antrim and of Scotland. Vide An. Four Mast.
A.D. 158, n. w.

'* Cairbre Fioniimher, that is, Cairbre the tall and fair, was son of
Conaire Mor. Conaire instituted a heptarchy, making Connor Mac
Nessa king of Ulster ; Oilioll and Mcadhbh king and queen of Con-
naught ; Cairbre Niafear king of Leinster ; Achaidh Abhratruadh (i.e.
of the red eyebrows, a man of gigantic size) king of North Munster;
and Curoi Mae Daire, king of South Munster. Cairbre Fionnmhor
succeeded Curoi Mac Daire.

'8 Cairbre Dornmhor, that is, Caii-bre the big-fisted.

" That is, king of that district of Munster lying about the Maigue.

»8 That is, Diarmuid,

19 Here the poet represents himself as a contemporary of Diarmuid
who had received kindness from him.

It will be perceived that the above genealogy is rambling, and in some-
places obscure; indeed it professes to be only a slight account of some
of Diarmuid's ancestors and not a continuous pedigree. Rut some of
those who are familiar with the traditions of Munster will be surprised
to learn that Diarmuid was a Leinsterman. O'Flaherty (who does not
in this ease give his authority, but who wrote from trustworthy histo-
rical documents) thus deduces his descent, Ogygia, P. III. cap. 69 ;
Diarnmid, son of Donn, son of Duibhne, son of Fothadh, son of Fiacha
Raidhe (from whom were called the Corca Raidhe, inhabiting the present
barony of Corcaree in Wcstmeath), son of Fiacha Suighdc, son of
Feidhiimidh Jieachtmhar, king of Ireland. The descendants of this
Fiacha Suighdhe, who was brotlier to Conn of the hundred battles, were
seated at Deisi Teamhrach (now the barony of Deeee in Meath,) whence
tliey were expelled by Cormac, Conn's grandson, and father of Grainne.
ATter various wanderings tliey went to Munster, whore Oilioll Oluim.

099

who was nijirried to Sadhbli, daughter of Conn, gave them a large dis-
trict of the i)reseiit county of Waterford, wliich they named after their
ancient patrimony in Meatli, and part of wliich is still called na Deis-
eacha, or the two baronies of Desies. Tiiey were afterwards given the
country comprised in the present baronies of Clonmel, Upper-third and
Middle-third, in the county of Waterford, which they retained till the
English invasion. The chiefs of this race in the fourteenth century were
the following, according to O'Heerin's topographical poem : — O'Bric and
O'Faelain, chiefs ; O'Meara, O'Xeill, O'Flanagan. O'Breslen, O'Keane,
chieftains. (Vide An Four Mast. ed. J. O'D., A.U. 265, p. 1205, notes,
where much information about this race is condensed from O'Heerin,
Keating, and O'Flalierty). This total migration of the tribe of Diar-
niuid from their own country into Munster at a very early period, and
their subsequent extension there, explains how Diarmuid came to be
looked upon as a Momonian. He is, however, considered to have been
not only a Momonian, but more particularly a Kerryman, and the tra-
ditions of him are more vivid in West Munster than elsewhere, whilst
his tribe settled in the East. This probably arose from the coincidence
between the name of his grandfather, Duibhne, and that of the territory
of Corca Ui Dhuibhne in Kerry. Although Diarmuid is called O'Duibh-
ne, which is a patronymic, it means simply the grandson of Duibhne,
and ought therefore, strictly speaking, to be written O or Ua Dhuibhne,'
for he lived long before the introduction of surnames, but this irregu-
larity is not uncommon even in the best manuscripts ; thus Cormac, the
grandson of Conn of the hundred battles, is often called ua Cujtjo, which
is O'Quin, instead of ua Cbuioi), Conn's grandson. It will be remembered
that Donn, the father of Diarmuid, is called in the tale Donn O'Donn-
chadha, but this is a mere fiction of the writer in order to support his
Kerry descent, and is another of these anachronisms respecting patro-
nymics.

I or ua means a grandson, and when the initial letter of the proper
name following it in the genitive case does not suffer aspiration, accord-
ing to the general rule, the two words constitute a patronymic, thus —
t>oi)i)CAti O Uni-*!') means Donough O'Brien ; but t>oi)t)CAó O bbMAjij
means Donough, Brian's grandson, who might be an O'Neill or any one
else.

500

NOTE II.

FioNN Mac Cumhaill.

The following notice of Fionn occurs in the Annals of the Four
Masters : —

2lojr CfllOfC, bA Céb OCbcrtJOSAC The Age of Christ, 286. The sixteenth
A cttf. 2lr A r& f écc bo CAittbne. yearofTairbre. Fionn, grandson of Baisgne,
Fiot)!) Ua bA]rcct)e 60 t\X]Z-\n) Ia feU by Aichleach, son of Duibhdreann. and
W^chXeC IPAC t5uibb1tet>D, ^ U ^^^ ,„„g ^f Uirgreann of the Luaislmi
fljACOib U,Tt5ne.)6. t>0 lUAiáDiB Teamhrach, at Ath Brea. upon the Boinn,
CetijftAC, occ Uz}) DtteA ^ott \)ó\i}x),

,. of which was said :

t>-\A t)beb|iAb.

Ro b]C VlV*^, bA t>0 5Aib, Finn was killed, it was with darts,

50 OblACb 5UII), "^^"1^ '^ lamentable wound ;

Aichleach, son of Duibhdreann, cut off

bo All 2l)cbleAcb n)AC t)U]b&rtetj&
A cetji) bo lijAc 2I)ocI)CAti)U]t).

?í)]i)bA6 Ca|Ici corcCAjtt,

bo bu bUAjb AV cecf) vj|t3liA)6,

The head of the son of Mochtamun.

Were it not that Caoilte took revenge,
It wouid have been a victory over all hi
true battles :

no bAbb corccftAcfj Ur lO rniAn The three were cut ofif by him,
jIacI) irt) cbei)t) ]i)b ^l^-X i^jAbf). E.tulting over the royal champion.

The following words are interlined in the original manuscripts : —
" .1. bot)A 5Aib jArccAicI) tto 5oi)Aó & í" i.e. " by the fishing gafTs he was
wounded." The Annals of Innisfallen (Dublin copy) give the same
account of his death and of Caoilte's vengeance, but place it in the
fourth year of the reign of Cairbre (son of Cormac, son of Art"). "Vide
Rer. Hibern. Script. Tom. II. An. Innisfal. (Dublin copy) p. 9.

The Annals of Tighearnach state that he was beheaded by Aichleach
and the sons of Uirgreann. Vide Rer. Hibern. Script. Tom. II. An.
Tig. p. 49.

NOTE III.
CoKMAc, Son of Akt, Son of Conn of the Hundred Battles.
Cormac, of whom we read so much in the Irish romances, was consi-
dered in his day to be the best king that Ireland had seen. He is said
to liave been the composer of the work called Teagusc na Riegh, or In-
structions for Kings, which is still e.xtant in MS. He also caused to
be compiled the historical and topographical work called The Psalter of
Tara, which is lost. His wife was Eithne, daughter of Dunking, king
of Leinster. Some say that she was the daughter of Cathaoir Mor, but
O'Flaherty considers this incorrect, from chronological reasons. Eithne
was the niotlicr of Caiibie Lilfeachair, who succeeded Cormac. His
other two BOILS, Ccall:;eh and Daire, left no issue. He had two daugh-

301

ters, Grainnc and Ailbhe, of whom the former, when betrothed to
Fionn, fled with Diarmiiid, to wliom she bore four sons, whose names,
aecording to O'Flaherty, were Donnehadh, loUann, Ruchhadh, and
loruadh, whilst Fionn married Ailbhe in her place. Vide Oyyg. V. III.
e. 69).

It is stated in the Annals that in the thirty-ninth year of Cormac's
reign, his son Ceallach and also his lawgiver were mortally wounded,
and the eye of Cormac himself put out with one thrust of a lance, by
Aonghus Gaibh-uaithbheach (i.e. Angus of the terrible spear) of tlte
tribe of the Delsi Teamhrach. Hence Cormac, having gained seven
battles over them, expelled them into Munster. Vide Note I. supra.
Cormac obtained the cognomen of Uljlmda, because, after his victories
over the Ultonians at the battles of Granard, Sruthair, and Crionna
Fregabhail, he banished numbers of them to the Isle of Man and to the
Hebrides the name being derived from Uladh, I'lster, anafada, far.
Between his wife and his daughter Grainne, Cormac's domestic life can-
not have been of the happiest, nor can he have been much grieved at
the violent death of his lawgiver, if we are to believe the following little
poem attributed to him. It is taken from a miscellaneous collection of
Irish poems made in 1684 by Father Owen O'Keeffe, in which the ortho-
graphy is modernised, but the general Irish reader will not object to that.

C0R?»)21C Uli:n2lOi!l RO C\)'ún. CORMAC ULFUADA SANG THIS.

1r Tt)]reCo|tTT)Ar, UA CU]t)p, [rttuirtj; I am Cormac. the grandson of Conn,

Arunj ixin&T^lS roTl Cl)eATt)tXAl5 I am arch-king over the heavy -glebed Team-

tio peAlli-Ab ottn;, tijAiUe, ''*"' '

„ My wife, also, and my lawgiver

njobeAi,A3Urn,oneACCA,ne. Have played me faUe.

eiCTje ináioo CbACAil cixjt), tithne, the daughter of the noble Cathal, (I )

Tl)0 tt105At)f A bo lAl5tj|b ; is my queen from Leinster ;

tio CUAJÓ i)A ^r)\x]X Cfle COJtie Failbhe Ruadh, my lawgiver,

Failbe TtUAÓ njo TteACCA]|te. Approached her countenance by invitation.

1r eol bAiDfA, (nab S^t) 5A0,,) ^ ''"°"'' <=*" assertion not false),

.. . ,, The three things that destroy a woman :

I7A cm iieibce iiJiUior n)x):<o] ; „ u.^..u

Her own husband not to humour her,
A peATt Feit) 5AT, beic bix néjn, Weal^ness in matrimony, and a frivolous

liXT)An)I)Ar lA5, Af lUAlC-TÍjélp. disposition.

1r eol bAtijrA, (n&6 sat, 5AO,,) i know, (an assertion not false).

t)A Citf oejóce niATtAf TtjrjAOi ; The three things that serve a woman ;

A CIaU Felt), ceA5Ar5 a FIP, Her own sense, the counsel of lier

ASUf latJAtijtjAf U]b|tt. And strength in matrimony.

('■) Here again a different father is assigned to Eithne.

l)A Cfti Ijefóce ri') Ulle ; All those three things;

CJA fio Ttin t*e «^ ^]VV la^ Though during her life upon a time

lljo beAi) olc CAtX tt)0 ceAiJorA. "J " 'f" hath wrought evil in spite of me.

Wo TÍJAllACC Ó AT)IU5 50 bnac My curse from to-day for ever,

At^ At) cé COlU^reAf AIJ ^'AÍ ; Upon him who fchall lose wisdom;

bo 6éAt)A olc At lor ^m'A, ^'^'^° would do evil for the sake of a woman,

tlja CÍV bjoiDAi) A 5i)iori)A. Even if it were by her forwardness.

iilot) ceArttATt 5AI) éAb Xien) Ijijij, ^our alone void of envy in iny day [tainly ;

C<X1T)]5 o 3bA0]!i>l0l 50 5T11Í?') ; Have descended from Gaodhal, most cer-

Ollfoll A'r FeAnSUr njA)lle, Oilioll and Fearghus to wit.

Com céA&CACAC A'r IDire. ^°"" °^ ^*'« hundred battles and myself.

This last stanza if differently punctuated would bear a very different

meaning, which it is as well not to give in the translation.

NOTE IV.

OlHOLL OlUM.

OilioU Oluni (fourth in desceut from Corb Olum, one of the three
nobles of the Milesian or Scotic race who escaped from the massacre of
the Aitheach Tuatha or Attacotti, A.D. 10), is the ancestor of all the
chief families of Munster, except such as acquired possessions there in
later times, as the Deisi. His wife was Sadhbh, daughter of Conn of
the hundred battles, and he had seven sons, Eoghan Mor, Dubhmer-
chon, Mughcorb, Lughaidh, Eochaidh, Diachorb, and Tadhg. These
all fell in the battle of Magh Muchroime, A.D. 195. fighting for their
uncle Art, king of Ireland, against Lughaidh Mac Con and a host of
foreign auxiliaries, chiefly Saxons and Britons (i.e. Welsh). It was
fJeine Briot, king of Britain (i.e. Wales) that slew them, and he was
killed by Lughaidh Lagha in revenge for his kinsmen. The wliole story
is set forth at great length in the historical tale called Cath Mhuiyhe
Mhuchroime, which closes with the lamentation of OilioU Olum for his
sons. OilioU's residence was at Dun Eochair Mhuighe, now, and for
many centuries past, known as Brugli Ritjh, i.e. the king's palace, An-
(jlice Bruree, a village on the Maigue, near Croom, in the county of Li-
merick. There are still large remains of ancient forts in the immediate
neighbourhood wliich arc attributed to this king. Tliree of his sons had
issue; Eoghan Mor is the ancestor of tiic numerous tribes called collec-
tively Eoglianaclita, sucli as the Eoyhanacht Chaisil and Eoghanucht Lo-
chu Lein; Corniac Cas is the ancestor of the tribes of North Munster
or Thomond, who are known to this day by the celebrated name oí Dail
;/-C(iis, (the race of Cas), in English, J3aleassians ; and from Cian come
the tribes called Cianachla in various localities. Sliane Clarach Mac

.']()3

Donnell of Cliarleville, the celebratcil Munstev iwet, tlius mentions I!tu-
ree : —

6 ^]oi)t}A-h^o^ Olu|n) FlA|ceAtT)A)l i\nr«^ 50 b^bAion i)a
leAc<\]i)-leAc ttjónsUt).

From the fair palace of the princely ancient Oluini to the river
of the broad large bright flag- stones.'

NOTE V.
Irish Proper Names.
Those who are unacquainted with the Irish language have been often
surprised at the great prevalence amongst us of names derived from some
foreign source — from scripture, the classics, or the vocabularis of various
languages, and it may interest them to learn that these names are only
used by the people in speaking English, and are mere arbitrary substi-
tutes for indigenous Gaelic names, wliich they always employ in speak-
ing Irish. Thus the Irish name Diarmuid is always represented in speak-
ing or writing English by Darby, or worse still, by Jeremiah ; Donnchadh,
by Denis; Tadhg, by Thady, Timothy, Thaddeus; Cormac and Cathal,
by Charles; Muircheartach, Murchadh, by Mortimer; Domhnall, by
Daniel and Dan ; Brian is in many cases used in English, but is often,
especially in particular families, turned in Bernard, and Barney; Eoghan
is often correctly enough rendered (Jwen, but frequently Eugene ; Du-
bhaltach, Dwaley ; Feidhlimidh, Felix; Finyhin, Florence,- Conchobhar,
Corny, Cornelius, &c. &c. In every one of the above cases there is no
attempt at a translation, nothing but a mere substitution. Sometimes,
indeed, there is a kind of translation, e.g. Fionn (which means fair,
albus) is anglicised Albany.

Tills disguising of native names was at one time unknown in Ireland,
as appears from state and law papers, &c. but from the commencement
of the last century it has been on the increase. The names cited above
were at one time anglicised respectively Dermot ; Donough (which is
still retained by some of the O'Briens, as also in the latinised form,
Donat) ; Teague and Teigue ; Cormac and Cahal ; Murtough ; Murrough
(still used by the O'Briens) ; Donald, Donal, Donnell ; Brian ; Owen ;
Duald ; Phelim and Felim ; Fineen ; Conogher, Connor, (whicli is still
used by some families, more usually in the North) ; &c. It is a pity

' i.e. to the Abha chamhaoireach, or Morning-star river, which falls
into the Maigue below Bruree, on which is the little village called in
Irisli An t-Ath leacach, the Ford of the flag-stones, and in English
Athlacca.

304

that tlie Irish have not imitated tlie Scots, wlio, thougli aJapting their
native names to the eye and tongue of strangers, have not utterly dis-
guised tlieni, or rather ^uite laid them aside for arbitrary and ia most
cases exceedingly tasteless aud ill-chosen substitutes. The subject of
Irish Christian names and patronymics is a curious aud interesting one.
deserving of attention and illustration in order to defeat the aims of
those who are so ignorant and foolish as to wish to disguise their Celtic
descent, and happily a great deal has already been effected in this de-
partment of Irish history.

It was the intention of the Editor to have added some further notes,
as well on a few matters of general interest to the Irish reader, such as
Gaelic orthography, and the study of the Irish language, as on such
topics more immediately connected with the tale of Diarmuid and
Grainne as are left unnoticed. In particular he wished to have given
some account of the number and situations of the numerous ancient
stone remains called by the peasants ZeapiAacAa Dhiarmada agus Ghrain-
ne, the beds of Diarmuid and Grainne, and traditionally supposed to
mark the resting places of that famous couple during their wanderings ;
and to have laid before the reader a short Gaelic poem upon the death of
Diarmuid, published by John Gillies at Perth, 1786, but of which a
more correct version was most kindly communicated to the Editor by
the Rev. Thomas M'Lauchlan, from a Gaelic manuscript of the years
151-2-29, commonly called "The Dean of Lismore's Book," now in tlie
Advocate's Library, Edinburgh. Of this curious book an interesting
account, from the pen of the Rev. Thomas M'Lauchlan, is to be found
in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Vol. II.,
Part I., Edinburgh, 1856. It is, however, necessary that this volume
should now be brought to a close, owing to the great but unavoidable
delay which has taken place in its publication. For this, and for the
numerous defects and shortcomings which appear in it, the Editor hopes
for the indulgence of the reader, as the preparation of the book could
only proceed during a few intervals of leisure, and was almost altogether
carried on entirely out of the reach of many sources of information by
the aid of which the task might have been much more completely ex-
ecuted.

INDEX

Abhortach, 116, 117, 117, n.

AchaiJh Abhratruaidli, 298.

Additional Notes, 294.

Adonis, 192, 193.

Aedh Ruadh, son of Badliarn, his
death, 115, n.

Aenghus of the Brugh, GS, n.

Aherlagh, glen of, 151), n.

Aichleach, 300.

Ailbhe, 214, 215, 222, 223, 226, 227,
22S, 229.

Ailbhe, daughter of Cormac, 301.

Ailleann, 40, n.

Aine, 114, n.

Aine Cliach, 114, n.

Aine, the three Eochaidhs of. 114,
115.

Aisdear, meaning of the term, 228, w.

Aitheach Tuatha, massacre of, 302.

Alba, 162, 162, n., 163, 164, 165.
King of, 206, n.

Albannach, how applied, 296, n.

Albany, 303.

AUathach, Lughaidh, 297.

Allathain, 297.

Alexander's March, 117, n.

Almhuin, 40, «.. 46, 47, 106, 107,
110, 111, 160, 161,176,177, 208,
209.

Allen, hill of, 40, n.

Alps, 152,71.

Amulets, their extraordinary vir-
tue, 119, n.

Ancient Irish, their mode of inter-
ment, 106, 107.

Anglo-Irish writers, 175, n.

Angus of the terrible spear, 301.

Antrim, 114,«., 117, w., 298,

Aoibheall, 114, h.

Aoibhinn, 114, n.

Aoife, 72, 73, 112, 113.

Aodh beag, 72, 73. J'"ada, 72, 73.

Aonghus, 112, 113, 116, 117, 150,
151, 170, 171, 176, 177, 180, 181,
198, 199, 200, 200, n., 201. An
bhrogha, 68, 69, 88, 89, 90, 91.
117,«., 168, 169, 174, n., 176,«.,
194. 195.

21

Aonghus Gaibh uaithbhreach, 301.

Og. 115,«.
Ara, I71,w.
Art, 47,«., 74, 75, 172, 173, 186,

187,212,213,220,221. King of

Ireland, 302. Og Mac Morna,

112, 113.
Assaroe, 115,«.
Atan, 48, 49.

Attacotti, massacre of, 302.
Ath Brea, 300.
Ath Croich, 151, n.
Ath Fraoich, 150, 151, 151, «.
Athenry, 63, «., 115, n.
Athlacca 303.
Athlone, 61,«,
Ath na Riogh, 115, n. The three

Ronans of, 114, 115.

Bachul, meaningof the term, 268, n.

Badharn, 115, «.

Baile biadhtach, 170, n.

Baiscnigh, from whom descended,
298.

Bait fishing, 80, 81,

Ballach, meaning of the term, 50, n.

Ball seirce, its meaning, 50, «.

Bally mote, book of, 296, n.

Baoisgne, 43, n.

Barnauely, 116, «.

Bas chrann, meaning of the term,
162, n.

Hattle of Clontarf, 28. Castle-
knock, 112, 11. Cnucha, 43, «.,
110, 111. Dumha Beine, 19, n.
Edar, 19, n. Finncharadh, 19, «.
Gabhra, 23, 27, «., 190,«., 296, n.
Grauard, 301. Knockanaur,

242, «., 262, «., 265, w. Knock-
nanoss, 117, «. Magh h-Agha,
43, M. Magh Rath, 19, 19, «..
46, «., 52,«. Magh Muchroime,
302. Magh Muirtheimne, 27.
Rathain, 19, n. Ros na Righ,
19, n. Sliabh Mis, 1 14, «. Sru-
thair, 301. Ventry Harbour,

243. n.

300

nen^j all-wach. 174, 175, 182, 183.
Ikal atha na Teaiuhrach, 122, n.
Beann Damlmis, 168, 168, n., 169,

170, 171.
Beann Gwlban, 174, 174, n., 175,

180, 181 196, 197, 198, 199.
Beann liatli, its meaning, 116, n. 1

The Meidhir, from, 116. 117.
Bearnan Eile, 1 16, n. Colla crion- \
chosach, from, 116. 117. í

Beith (the river), 78, 79, 79, n. \
Bells. 24-2, 243, 260, 261, 201, «.
Benbulbin, 174, ?i. I

Benburb. 26.

Berries, 140, 141. Held sacred by
the ancient Irish, 110, 111. Their
virtue, 118, 119, 134, 135, 136,
137. Their effect upon women,
136, 137, 138, 139.
Biadhtach, 200, 201. Meaning of

the term, 170, n.
Bodhbh dearg, 1! 6, 117, 117, n.
Bohernabrcena, 297.
Boinn, G8, 69, 184, 185,300. Fear
an bhearla bliinu, from, 116, 117.
Boican, 206, 207.
Book of Leinster quoted, 19, «., 20,

68, n. Lismore quoted, 20.
Botli, its meaning, 76, n.
Boyne (the river), 47, «., 68, n.

115, n., 116, /i., 164, 165, 166,
167, 198, 199, -00, 201.

Bran, 64, 65.

Breagh, lord of, 57, n. Mound of,

116, n.

Breaghmhagh, 56, 56, »., 57, 186,

187.
Bregia, 56, n., 186, n. Plain of,

116, 71.

Brehon Laws, 112, n.

Brugh, 200,201. The three Sgals
of. 114, 115.

Brugh na Boinne (Boyne). 68, n.,
115, n., 164, 165, 166, 167.

Brugiiaidh, meaning of the term,
170, n.

Brugh Righ, 302.

Bruigliean, 186, 187, 190, 191, 202,
203. An chaorthainn, 188,
188,«-, 189, 190, 191. BlaiBru-
ga, 20, n. Da Berga, demolition
ot; 20, n. Da choga, 20, n. Da
dhearg, 297. Forgaill Monach,
20, «. iMic Ceacht, 20, n. Mic
Datho, --0, n.

Bruithe Abhac, 116, 117.

Bruithne, 117, n.

Bruree, 302, 303.

Hrian liorumha, 28.

Hriot Beine, by whom killed , 302.

Butlers, 25.

C.

Cairbre, 54, 55, 214, 215, 226, 227,
300. Baschaoin, 291. Dornmh-
or, 298. Fionnnihor, 298. Lif-
feachair, 52, 53. 56, 57. 186, 187,
215. 71., 300. Why called Liffea-
chair, 48, jí. Where slain, 296, w.
THusc, 298. Niafear, 298. Riada,
298.

Caiseal, stipend of the king of,
144, n.

Caislean na duirahche, 1 16, n.

Cam. the wicked, 120, 121.

Caoilte (Mac Ronain), 58, 59. 64,
65, 194, 195, 300.

Caol crodha, 72, 73.

Caon, cairn of, 117, w.

Carra (river), 78, n.

Carran Fearaidhe, 114, n.

Carrthach (river), 78, 78, n., 79,
100, 101.

Cashel, 144. n., 157, n. Bishop of,
296, n. Psalter, 296, n.

Castleisland, 97, n., 122, n.

Castleknock, 43, w.

Castle-Lough, 79, n.

Castlemaine, 77, «.. 79, «.

(^astletown-Kilpatrick, 294.

Cathair Conrui, 19, n.

Cathaoir, mor. 43, n., 300.

Cathbhuilleach, 114, 115, 115. n.

Cath Mhuiglie Mhuchroime, 302.

Cavan. 148, ?i.

Ccallach 300, 301. Death of, 50, u.

Ceai-a, men of, 108, n.

Cearbhall, son of Muirigen, poem
on his death quoted, 4\,?i.

Ccard, meaning of the term, 137, n.

Ceanuna, 186, 187.

L'earna, 56, 56, n, 57, 57, n.

e'eatharnach, meaning of the term,
28, 29, n.

Charleville, 303.

Chess, 144, n.

Chessmen. Irish term for, 144, n.

Chessboards, divination of, 180, n.

Chronicon Scotorum quoted, 22, n.

Ceis Corainn, 170, 171.

Cian, 124, 124, n., 125, 126, 127.
128, 129, 130, 131, 148,«.

307

Cianachta, 302,

Ciardhubhan, meaning of the term,
50, n.

Ciarruidhe Luachra, 124, 125, 130,
131.

Oineal Aodhanah-Echtghe, 108, n.,
Guaire, 108, n.

Clankee, 148, n.

Clann Chaim Chollaigh, where set-
tled, 121, n.

Clanna Baoisgne, 43, n., 112, n.,

160, 161, 161, n., 208, 209.
Deaghaidh, expulsion of, 297
Fiachrach, 54, n. Morna, 72, 73,
112, n., 122, 123, 140, 141, 160,

161, 161, 71. Neamhuin, 62, 63.
Eiocaird, 62, 63. Konain, 70, 71.
Ivory, where settled, 297. Suibh-
ne (Sweenys), 297.

Clanwilliam, 148, n., 298.

Clare, 30, 03, «., lOd, «., 116, n.,
298.

Clonderlaw, 298.

Cloumacnoise, 48, n.

Clonmel, 148, h., 299.

Clontarf, battle of, 28.

Cnoc Aine, 114, «.

Cnoc an air, 2.J2, 243. Wliere si-
tuated, 17, n.

Cnoc Firinne, 117, n.

Cnoc Maoldomhiiaigh, 14S, n.

Cnuoha [Gastleknock], 43, n.

Coill Ua bh-Fiachrach, 108, n.

Coimirceadh, meaning of the term,
153,71.

Coimhrighe, meaning of the term,
159, n.

Coirrioll, 158, 159.

Colla Ciotach, 1 17, n. Da Chrich,
297. Meanu, 297- The wither-
legged, 116, n. Uais, 297.

Collas, the three, 297. Expulsion
of, 297.

CoUamhan, the three Conals of,l 14,
115.

Colgan, 188, 188, n., 189.
Conaire Mor, where killed, 297-

flis race, 297, 298.

Conan (Mac Morna), 72, 73, 96, 97,

106, 107, 122, 123, 124, 125. 132,

133, 134, 135, 160, 161, 161, n.

Conall, why called Gulbain, 174, n.

Conall Cearnach, bloody defeat by,

19, n.
Concon, plain of, 100, 101,
Congal Claen, 19, n.

Conn of the hundred battles, 43, «.,
124, 125,212, 213, 214,«., 224,
225, 298, 299, 302.

Connla, 170, 171, 204, 205. Kuadh,
his adventures, 214, n.

Connell, 190, n.

Conne'ilan, 296, n.

Connello, Upper and Lower, baro-
nies of, 107, n.

Connacht, 62, 63. Fenians of,
43, ».,72, n., 112, /Í.

Connaiight, 164, n., 179, n. King
and queen of, 298.

Cooking, ancient mode of, 220, 221.

Cooleen, 30.

Corcaigh (Cork), 48, ^9.

Corcaguiney, 133, n., 168, n.

Corca Ui Dhuibhne, 132, 133,

168, n., 200, 201, 297,299.
Corcaree, 298.
Corcomroe, 116, ?i.

Cork, (see Corcaigh). 31, n., 52, n.,
1 17, «., 293, w., 298.

Cormac (Mac Airt), 42, 42, n., 43,
43, n., 44, 4i, 46, 47, 47, n., 48,
49,52, 53,56,57, 138, 139, 168,

169. 170, 171, 172, 173, 186, 187,
212, 212, ?t, 213, 214, 215, 216,
217,218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223,
224, 225, 226, 300 His death,
42, n. How he obtained the name
Ulfhada, 301. Cas, 126, 127.
Race of, 302.

Cormae's Glossary quoted, 29. n.,
144,«.

Costello, 117, «., 151,71.

Corran, 170, 7i.

Cows, 222, 223.

Craglea, 114, n.

Creach, meaning of the term, 171. w-

Cremorne, 297.

Crich Kois, 77, n.

Crioch Mughdhorn, tribes of, 297-

Criomhthan, created king of Lein-
ster, 43, n.

Crionna, battle of, 301.

Croehnuit, 176, 177.

Crom, 302.

Cromleacs, 148, n.

Cromghleann na bh-Fiann, its mo-
dern name, 118, 119.

Cromwell, 25.

Cruaclian, 179, n.

Cruaeh, meaning of the term,
204, n.

Cuadan lorgaire, 72, 73.

308

Cuchullain, 206, n.

Cumhall, 43, n.,74, 75.

Currach Cin Adhmuid, 78, 79,

79, n. Life (river), 176, 177-
Curoi, the plundering of, 19, n.
Cyclops, 120, w.

D.

Daghda Mor, his three sons where

buried, 68, «. Meaning of the

term, 117, n.
Daire duauach, 49, n, 52, 53, 300.
Dalcassians, 302.
Dal Chais, 144, «.
Dail g-Cais, 302.
Dalian, its signification, 74, n.
Dal-Riada, 298.
Damhus, peak of, 168, h.
D'Arcys, 51, n.
Dathi, his death, 152, n.
Deaghaidh, the seventeen sons of,

19, n.
Deaghdha, 116, 117.
Dearg-ruathar, meaning of the

term, 187, n.
Deece, barony of, 298.
Deirdre an Duibli-shleibhe (of

Duibh-shliabh), 98, 99, 104, 105,

106, 109.
Deisi Teamhrach, 298, 299, 302.

Expulsion of, 301.
Derradda, (i9, n.
Derry, 69, ti.
Derryvokeel, 69, n.
Derrywee, 69, m.
Devil's Bit (Greim an Diabhail),

116,«.
Diarmuid (O'Duibhne), 39, 52, n.,

56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,

65, 60, 67, 68, 09, 72, 73, 74, 75,

80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 85, n , 86,
87, 87, w. 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93,
94, 95, 96, 97, 100, 101, 102, 103,
104, 105, 108, 109, 122, 123, 142,
143, 146, 147, 152, 153, 153, n.,
154, 155, 156, 157, 164, 165, 168,
169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174,
174, «., 174, 175, 176. 177, 178,
179, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187.
202, 2U3, 2U4, 205, 208, 209, 210,
211, 231, 7t, 297. Anglicised
form of the tern), 52, n. Forc-
tcls the destruction of the Feni-
ans, 190, 190, «., 191. Death

of, 192, n. Pedigree of, 298, 299.

Race of, 294. Sons of, 301.
Diiisenchus quoted, 57, «•
Diorruing, 42, 43, 44, 45, 58, 59.

64, 65, 208. 209.
Divination, 184, 185.
Doailt, 77, n.
Dodder (river), 297.
Doire dha bhoth, 62, 63, 64, 65, 68,

69, 80, 81.
Dolbh, the bright- toothed, 116. 117-
Donegal, 26, 28, «.. 45, n. Con-
vent of, 26.
Donn, 116, n., 178, 179, 204, 205.
Donnarthadh, Dearc the son of,

184, 185.
Donnchadh, 170, 171. Son of Bri-
an, 148, n.
Donn an oileain, 116, 116, »., 117-

Chnuicnanos, 116, 117, 117, n.,

Dumhach, 116, 116,71., 117. Fi-

rinne, 117, n. OfLeinchnoc, 116,

117.
Dord Feinne, 259, 258, «., 259.
Dough Castle, 116, n.
Down, 150, n.
Dowse, 168, /Í.
Drogheda, 56, n.
Drom draoi, 179, 7».
Drom mor (Dromore), 150, 151,

151, n.
Druids, 43, n., 100, 100, n., 101,

179,«.
Druini draoigheachta, 178, 179.
Druimfliuch, 26.
Druime, 170, 171.
Duacli Dalta Deaghaidh, 297.
Dubhcharn, 170, 171. In Laigh-

ean, 168, 169.
Dubli-chosach, 84, 85, 94, 95.
Dublin, 43, n., 56,«., 1 12, «., 188, n.,

297.
Dubhros, 120, 121, 142, 143. Ber-

Ties of, 122, 123, 134. 135.

Where situated, 113,«.
Duibhshleibhe, 98, 99, 104, 105,

106, 107.
Duirean, 206, «.
Dun, 132. 133.
Dunkellin, 63, n.
Dunkcrrin, 78, «., 79, n.
Dunlaing, 300.

Dungarvan (Dun Garbhan), 148,«.
Dun Eochannhuighe, 124, 125, 130,

131, 302.

309

Eachlach, 126, 127. Meaning of

the term, 99; n.
Eamhuin, 1>, 73, 74, 74, n., 75.

Present name of, QQ, n. Tribe

of, 66, 67.
Earna, 122, n.
Early, 42, n.
Eas Aedlia ruaidh mhic Bhadbairn,

182, 183.
Easruaidh, 113, n,
Eas ruadh mhic Bhadhairn, the

three Eoghans from, 114, 115,

115, n.
Eidhneach, river, 116, n.
Eidirsceol (now O'DriscoU), by

whom slain, 297.
Eitche, 48, 49.
Eithne, 214. 215, 222, 223, 226, 227,

228, 229, 300.
Emania, 205, n.
EnnaCeinnseallach, 82, n.
English Invasion, 25.
Ennistymon, 116, n.
Eochaidh, 170, 171, 204, 205.
Eochaidh Doimhien, his three sons,

297. Muighmheadhain, 82, n.,

108, n. OUathair, 117, n.
Eoghan Mor, 126, 127, 302.
Eoghantacht, meaning of the term,

302.
Eogabhal, 114, n.
Eric, meaningof the term, 112,«.
Erne, 115, «.

Fairies, Queen of the, 114, n.

Faolan, 156, 157.

Fatha Chonain, 242, 243.

Feabhaill, 148, n.

Fearghal, 40, n.

Fearna, cave of, 132, 133,

Fearghoir, 64, 65, 66, 67.

Fearghuses, the three, 116, 117.

Feilimidh Reachtmhar, 298.

Feis Teamhragli, meaning of the

term, 255, n. Tighe Chonaine,

52, n.
Female messengers, 98, 99.
Fencing masters, 126, 127.
Fenian games, 84, 85. Hounds,

262, n. Hunting booths, 110,

110, n., HI.

Ferdoman, 19, «.
Fiacha Suighde. 298.
FiachaSraibhtine, 296, n. His death,

297.
Fiachra, 108. n.
Fiamuin Mac Forui, plunderitig of,

19, n.
Fian-bhoth, meaning of the term,

110 n.
Fionn (Mac Cumhaill) 42, 43, «.,

44, 45, 50, 51, 52, 53, 58, 59, 64,

63, 66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 96, 97.

120, 121, 146, 147, 154, 155, 136,

137, 160, 161, 168, 169, 170, 171,

174. 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180,

« , 182, 183, 184. 183. 186, 187.

190, 190, n., 191. 192, n., 193,

194, 195, 196,197,206,207.208,

209, 210, 211.
Fionn-chosach, 84, 85, 94, 95,

Mound of, 114, n.
Fionnmhur, 115, n., Foghmhuin of,

118, 119. Three Fionas of, 114,

115.
Fionntragh (Ventry), 242, 243.
Finliath, 78. 78, »., 79, Moor of, 96,

97, 100, 101.
Fircall, 82. ?i.
Firbolgs, legends of, 24.
Fis, meaning of the term, 180, n.
Fitzgeralds, 25.
Fitzpatricks, 25.
Flanagan, son of, 57, n.
Flesk, river, 118, n.
Foghmhuin of Fionnmhur, 118, 119.
Foran, Lawrence, 30,

Gabbra, 23, 27, « , 48, n. 106, 107,
190, «., 296, n.

Gabhran (Gowran) 144, n.

Ga buidhe, 90, 91, 174, 175, 182,
183. Dearg, 90, 91, 102, 103,
104, n. 132, 133, 168, 169, 174,
175, 182, 183, 204, 205.

Gaileang, Cornuic, his race, 148, n.

Gaileanga, 148, n.

Galbally, 148, n.

Gaelic criticisms, 136, ti. Names,
their simplicity, 303. Ortho-
graphy, great canon of, 27, n,

Gallan, its signification, 74, n.

Ga^oglach, nieaning of the tern,.

Gamdh Glundubh Mac Moirne, 42,

^Tfs tS^ ?f, ^Í^-F--. 76. 77.
I^°. ÍJJ,. Its present name, 100,

Garbhs of the Fenians, their de
stnactjon, 150. 151. The^ihree"

Gaul, '82, n., 152 «

Geoghegan, 293 w

Geraglity, 296, «. *

G.ants, remarkable death of, 140,

Gillies, 192, „

ShrfiT'^'^^^'^''^^'-

Glencare, 78, n.
Glenduff, 293, n
Glenflesk, 118, «'.
Glengarriff, 2.5, oq
Gleann Fleisge, flS. II9
Gleann Scoithin, II4 „ '

Goineach, 7"? 73

Goll, 158, 139. ■
Gonnat, Eochaidh. 48 n
Goodman, 293, 71 ' '
Gothan Gilmhéarach, 72 73

íllpllll

93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 100 lól in-^
Í;J108 109,l/ó, ni. ?2'^3'

146, 147, 150, 151, 170 71
72, 173, 174, 175, 180 183 ^.'

«•,294.298,301 '^'"•^"'231,
Granard, 301.
Graves (human). 162, 163
Greim and Diabbail, IIG '„
Grianan, 46, 47 47 „ k'x

Gi-iHiii, 30, 293, n.

ÍUO

H.

Hahday, 31, „.

Ham or Cham, 120, n.

Heremon, race of, 297

Hickey, 294.

Hirelings, 75, n.

Hostiii;,', 171, „_■

Hunting booths, 122, 123

Hy Amhalgaidh of lorrus, 108 n

Hy Connell Gaura, where situated.'

Hy Fiachrach, Tribes and Customs

of, quoted, 50,«
Hy Fiachra Aidhne, 108. n

Iccian Sea, where situated, 82 n
Ikerrin, 116, w. '

Ilbhreac, 116, 11 7.
Inchiquin, 26 n. 117, «
Inniskeen, 31, «.

^"iii ^"'^^* '^'""^ °^' '®®' '^^' '^''
Innis Eoghain (Innishowen). 25
loldathach, 118, 119
lorrus, 108, n.
ir, race of, 297.

Irish MSS. 30, n., 294. Where
deposited, 20. Mythology, 114

W^^qt'' ?/' "■ '^'^"'' privi-
lege, 297. Popular tales, 21, 22
Professors, 294. Proper names,'
o^<i. Romances, 20, 21 Sh-i
nachi^Gs, 296, n. Soldiery, 82."
«. VVarnors, mode of interment
01, 106, n.
Isle of Man, 87, ti.

Jowse, 168, n.

Joyce's country, JIG, n.

K.

'%*i"i'''l""/;^1.31,36,48,„..69,.
Kcist296!lr'°"^''7,«.

iverry,52,«., 97,71., II4 „ ,,0
Ivc'shcorran, 1 70 «

;ui

Killaloe, 114, n.

Kilcullen, 40, n., 41, ti.

Kildare, 40, n., 41, n., 297.

Killenaule, 294.

Kilrush, 30, 293, n.

Kiltartau. 63, n., 69, n., 113, n.

Kinvara, 113, «.

Kiniifcgad, 113, n.

Kinsale, 113, n.

Kirwan, 50, n.

Knights of the Round Table, 23, n.

Knockanaur, battle of, 242, n,

262, n., 265, n.
Knockaulin, 297. Where situated,

40, n.
Knockany, 114, n.
Knockfierna, 1)7, n.
Knockmeldown, 148, n.
Knocknanoss, 116, n. Battle of,

117,n.

Laighean (Leinster). 106, 107, 168,
169, 170. 171, 176, 177, 202, 203,
208, 209.
Laighne Leathanghlas, 215, n.
Land of Promise, 1 18, n.
Laoghaires, the three heroic, 114,

115.
Launching of a Fenian ship, 162,

163.
Laune, 77, n.
Lea, (river), 78, n.
Leabhar na h-Uidhre (Book of the
Dun Cow), quoted, 20, 20, u., 46,«.
Leanihan (river), 76, Id^n., 77, 80,

81, 100, 101. 118, 119.
Lear,87,n., 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,

117, 117, n.
Lecan. book of, quoted, 296, n.
Leenane, 116, n.

Legend of tlie cropped dog, 23, u.
Leinster, 40, n. 4 1 , n., 43,«., 46,47,
77, n., 168, n., 298, 3U0. P^enians
of, 43, n. Fotharta of, 49, n.
Leitrim, 26, 63, n., 77, «•
Liathdruim, 212, 213, 214, n., 228,

229.
Liath, ridge of, 215, n.
Liathluachra, 72, 73. Fionn of,

122, 123, 124, 125.
Lie Dhubhain, 102, 103.
Life (Liffey), Currach of, 176, 177.
Liffeachair, Cairbre, 48, 49, 296, n.
Liffey, river, 48, n.

Limerick, .52, «., 71, „., 107, «.,

114,«., 117,«., 148,«., 296,«.,

302.
Lionan cinnmhara, 116, «.
Lochlann, 92,93, 111,« 121 n

188, M, ' ' ■'

Loch Lein, 114, 115, 118, 119.

Eogantacht of, 302.
Loughrea, 63, 7i., 67, n., 69, n.
Loch Suidhe-Odhrain, 148, w.
Lough Syoran, 148, n.
Loughs, traditions regarding, 77, n,
Luan, the ford of, 61, n.
Luaighim Teamhrach, 300,
Luaigline of Teamhair, 43, n.
Lughaidh, 42,«., 50, 51, 56, 57,

96,97, 106, 107, 112, 113. Lu-
ghaidh Lamha. his death, 302.
Luimneach, 70, 70, n., 71, 108, 109.

M.

Mac Airt, Corraac, 138, 139. Find-
ing of his branch, 212, 213.
Mac AUisters, their descent, 297.
Macaulay quoted, 38, n.
Mac Canns, their descent, 297.
Mac Con, Lughaidh, 302. Why so

called, 42, n.
Mac an Chuill, 174, 175, 180, 181
182, 182, «., 183, 194, 195, 196!
197.
Mac Cuilleanain, Cormac, 296 n.
Mac Cholgain, Miodhach, 186,'l87.
Mac Cumhaill, Fionn, 23 39, 40
41,46,47,48,49,54, 55,60 OL
, 61, 63, 82, 83, 92, 93, 94, 95,' 98.
99, 104, 105, 114, 115, 122, 123
126, 127, 162, 16.3,172,173, 196,'
197, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 21 1
262, w., 297. Where killed, 30o'.
Mac Curtin, Andrew, 116, «.
Mac Daire, Curoi, 298.
Mac Diocain, Eoc, 176, 176, «., 177.
Mac Domhnaill, Alasdrom, 117 n
Mac Donald, 25, n. '

Mac Donnell, Sliane Clarach, the

poet, 302.
Mac Donnell, Sir Alexander, 117«.
Mac Donnells, 117,«. Their de-
scent, 297.
Mac Dougals (now Mac DoTiall)

their descent, 297.
Mackcsy, 294.

Mac Firbis, 27, n., 53, «., 108, «.
Macfithreach, 40, n.

3lL>

Miic (iratli, John MacKory, 2G.
Mac Liag, the bard, 28.
Mac Mael-na-mbo, ])iarmuid,148,n.
Mac Mahons, their descent, 297.
]\Iac Moirne, Garadh gluudubh, 42,
43. ]3aire Duanach, 48, 49.
Goll, 43,71., Ó0, 51. Art Og,
112, 113. Aodh, son of Andala,
122, 123.
Mac Murchadha, Cuadhan, 72, 73
Mac Murtough Mac I-Brien of

Ara, 171, n.
Mac Namaras, 23.
Mac Nessa, Conor, 298,
Macniadh, 42, n.
Mac Ronain, Caoilte,39, 50, 51, 66

67, Graunchair, 70, 71.
Mac Sweeny s, legends of, 297.
Mac Ward, Red Owen, the hanging

of, 297.
Macls, taking of the three, 19, n.
Maelduin, 40, n.
Maclgenn, the Druid, 43, w.
Maenmhagh, 66, Q7, 67, n.
Magic, 102, 103, 120, 121, 166,

167.
Magh h-Agha, battle of, 43, n.
Magh Hhreagh, 116, n. Glas of,

116, 117.
Magh Life, 43, n.
Magh Muchroime, battle of, 302.

Breach of, 19, n.
Magh Muirtheimne, 77, n.
Magh Kath, battle of, 20, n. When

fought, 22, n.
Maguires, their descent, 297.
Maighueis, 42, 43.
Maigue, river, 298, 302, 303.
Mairseail Alasdroini, a celebrated

pipe tune, 117, n.
Mallow, 151, n.

Mananan, 112, 113, 116, 117,
174, 175, 222, 223, 22(i, 227,
228, 229. Crann buidhe of, 86,
87, 87, n.
Mang, river, 297.
Mayo, 108, m., 151, n.
Meadhbh, 298.
Meann, Lughaidh, 48, n.
Meath, 19, n., 43, n., 56, «., 57,
n., 66, «., 68, w., 298, 299. Tribes
of^ 186, M.
Merrynian, Bryan, 36.
Michael, St., Festival of, 148, n.
Midhe, 186, 187.
Mid.Uethird, barony of, 299.

Mileadli, sons of, their arrival in

Ireland, 1 14, n.
Milesian legends, 24.
Mills (water) 166, 167.
Miodhach, 188, 189.
Miodhchuairt, 56, 57.
Miodhchuarta, house of, 48, 49.
Miodhach Mac Cholgain, 186, 187.
Mis, mountain of, 114, n.
Modha Lamha, 297, 298.
Monaghan, 150, n., 297.
Montrose, 117, n.
Moralltach, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93,

174, 175, 182, 183.
Moryson, Fynes, quoted, 37.
Moy, 119, )i. Hy Fiachrach of,

108, M. River, 113. n.
Moyarta, 298.

Moyle, the stream of, 264, n.
Mount Grud, 148, 7i.
Mourne, mountains of, 150, n.
Muadhan, 78, 79, 80, 81, 86, 87, 88,
89, 90, 91, 94, 95, 97,98, 100,
101, 102, 103. 108, 109.
Muaidh, 118, 119.
Muighmheadhoin, Eochaidh, l08, n.
Muireadhach Tireach, 297.
Muir n-Iocht, 82, 82, «., 83, 90, 91.
Mumha, Fenians of, 72, 73.
Muuster, 25, 26, 26, «., 29, «., 77,
«., 114, M., 297, 298, 299, 302.
Ernaans of, 122, n., 294. King
of. 29(i, n. Men of, 43, n.
Murchadh, 40, m, 114, 115,
Muse, descendants of, 298.
Muscraighe, 298.
Musgry, barony of, 298.
Muskerry, barony of, 298.

N.

Naas, 41, n.

Naoi (Noah), 120, 120, «., 121.

Navan, 66, n., 294,

Neamhnach, 116, 117.

Niachorb, 43, n.

Niall of the Nine Hostages, 46, n.

82, n., 152, n. 174, n.
Mith, 77, n.
Nuadha Neacht, 297.

O'Baiscins, 298.

313

O'Baoisgne, Cumhall, the son of
Treunmhor, 110, 111. Domhar
Damhaidh, 40, 41, 52, 53, 64, 65.
Finn, 154, 155. Treunmhor, 74,
75.
O'Bric, 299.
O'Brien, 25, 26. Donogh, 299, n.

Murchadh an Totain, 26, n.
O'Breslen, 299.

O'Buadhchain, Bran beag, 176. 177.
O'Byrnes, 25.

O'Carroll, Uilliam Oghar, 171, n.
O'Ciarabhain, 50, n.
O'Ciardhubhain, 50, n.
O'ConoUys, 186, n.
O'Connors, 116, «., 164, n.
O'Dalaigh, Aonghus na n-aor,236,n.
O'Daly, John, 30, «., 188, n.. 236,n.
O'Donnells. 25, 26, 164, n., 298.
O'Donnchuda, 148, 149, 176, 177.
O'Donoghue of the glens, 118, n.
O'Donovan, Dr., 19, 19, n., 20, n.,
28, n., 32, n., 37, 44, n., 46, n.,
50, n., 57, n., 68, n., 86, n., V2%n.,
144, n.
O'Duibhne (Diarmiiid), 5i, 55. 60,
61, 68, 69, 82, 83, 86, 87, 90, 91,
92, 93, 98, 99, 106, 112, 113, 122,
123, 138, 139, 142, 143, 146, 147,
148 149, 150, 151, 158, 159, 160,
161' 164 165, 160, 167, 168, 169,
180, 181, 192, 193, 200, 201, 202,
203, 206, 207. His descent, 299.
O'Faelain, 299.
O'Falvey, 297.
O'FIaherty quoted, 297, 300.
0'Flanagan,27.n., 29, 299.
O'Fuarain, Labhras, 30.
Oghara Craobh, 106, n.
Ogham inscriptions, 106, 107.
Oglachs, 200, 200, «., 201.
O'Griobhtha, Martan, 30.
O'Hanlons, their descent, 297.
O'llarts, 186, ?i.
O'Heerin quoted, 297, 299.
O'h-Icidhe, Tomas. 294.
Oilioll Earann, 122, 7t., 297.
OilioIlOluim, 124. 125, 126, 127,
148, n., 298, 302. His tomb,
148,71.
Oisin, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49, n., 50,
51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61,
64,65,68, 69, 96, 97, 112, 113,
120, 121, 124, 125, 132, 133, 146,
147, 154, «., 157, «.. 190, 191,
194, 195, 196, 197, 208, 209,
22

231, n., 293, n. His Lament af-
ter the Fenians, 230, 231.

O'Keane, 299.

O'Keeffe, Father Owen, his collect-
ion of Irish MSS., 301.

O'Kellys, 186,».

Ollann, 202, 203, 204, 205.

O'Maolmoicheirghe, 42, «.

O'Meara, 299.

O'Mores, 25.

O'MoUoy, Art, 82, n.

O'Mulmoghery, 42, n.

O'Neill, 25, 25, n., 26, 164, n., 299.
299, n.

O'Quin, 299.

O'Raliilly, Egan, the poet, 97, "•

O'Regans, 186,«.

O'Reilly, 29, n., 296, n.

Ormond, Upper and Lower, ba-
ronies of, 114, M., 298.

O'Tooles, 25.

Oscar, 39, 49, «., 58, 59, 64, 65, 68,
69,96,97, 146, 147, 152, 153, 156,
157, 158, 158, w., 159, 160, 161.
164, 165,166, 167, 190, 191,192,
193, 194, 195, 208, 209.

O'Shaughnessy, 51, n.

O'SuUivan, 25, 26, 26, n., 31, n.,
79, n., 97, w.

Parents killed by their offspring in

Eric, 111, n.
Patrick (St.), 158, 159.
Playing at goal, 118, 119.
Plebeians, their position among the

ancient Irish, 106, n.
Poison, 9Q, n.
Portlaw, 30.
Porridge. 256, 257.
Proverbs, by whom used, 105, n.

Queen's County, 116, n.
Queen Elizabeth, 26, 26, n.
Quern stones, 166, 167.

R.

Rajihoe, 7Q, n.
Rath, 196, 197.
Rath-bhoth, 76, n.
Rath Fhinn, 198, 199.

314

Rath Ghrainiie, 170, 171, 172, 173,

174, 17.5, 194, iy5, '200, 201,20-2,

203, 208, 209.
Katli na h-Amhrann, 184, 184, «.,

185.
Reachtaire, 178, 178, n., 179, 180,

181.
River Carthach, 100, 101. Dodder,

297. Eidhneaeh, 116, n. Flesk,

118, n. Mang, 297. Moy, 113, n.
Roc INIac Diocain, 176, n,
Eonans, 114, 1 15.
Ros, meaning of the term, 113, n.
Ros da shoileach, 70, 71, n., 74,

75, 106, 107.

Sadhbh, 124, 125, 130, 131, 299,

302.
Salraon-cooking, 80, 81. Leap,

115,n.
Scannlan, 128, 129.
Scirtach, its eruption, 77, n.
Scota, where killed, 114, n.
Scots, settlement of in Ulster, 164, n.
Scotland, 29, n., 117, n., 206, «,,

264, 296, n., 297, 298.
Scottish Gallowglasses, 164, n.
Searbhan Lochlannach, 110, 111,

120, 121. 118, 119, 136, 137, 138,

139, 142, 143, 146, 147.
Seilbhsliearcach, 170, 171.
Seoid, meaning of the terra, 215, n,
Sgannlan, 120, 127.
Sgathan, 126, 127. Dun of, 128,

129.
Sgeile, meaning of the term, 194, w.
Shannon, 70, n., 76, n., 151, n.
Simeon son of Cairb, 49, n.
Siona, 106, 107-
Sionna, 188, 189.
Sirna, 77, n.
Sitii Aedha, 115, n.
Sith Breagh, Donn from, 116,

116, n., 117,
Sidh an Bhrogha, 68, n.
Sith Chairn Chaoiu, 116, 117.
Sith Fliionnchaidh, 114, 114,«.. 115.
Skene, meaning of the term, 97, «.
Skibbereen, 293,«.
Slaine, 77, n.
Slemmisli, 114, n.
Sliabh Claire, 148, n. Crot, I4S, n .

150, 151. Garbh of, 148, 149.
Cua, 148, n., 150, 151, Garbh

of. 148, 149. Echtghe, 108, 109.
Ealpa(the Alps), 152, n. Guaire,
148, 148, n., 149, 150, 151. Lu-
gha. 150, 151, 151, n. Luachra,
96,97, 100, 101, 102, 103, 106,

107, 114, 115, 122, n. Mis, 150,
151. Battle of, 114. Garbhs of,
114, 115. Mudhorn, 150. n.
Mor, 150, 151. Muice, 150,
150, w., 151.

Slieve Aughty, 108, n. Baughty,

108, n. Gorey, 148, n. Lougher,
97, n. Mish, 114, n. Much,
150,71.

Sligo, 108, n., 119, n., 170, n..

174, n.
Smith quoted, 192, n.
Sorcery. 180, 181.
Sraihhtine, Fiacha, 296, n.
Sruith na Maoile ruaidh, where

situated, 264, n.
Sruthair, battle of. 301.
St. Patrick, 152, n., 154, n., 231, n.
Stackallan bridge, 68, n.
Stag hunt, 132, 133, 134, 135.
Story of a wonderful reptile, 12S,

129, 130, 131.
Suaithnid, meaning of the term,

104, n.
Suirglieach, suairc from Lionan,

116, 116, H . 117.
Swallows. 98. 99.
Swine, 220, 221.

Tain Bo Cuailgne, 20, n.

Tara, 48, n . , 57, « . , 2 1 4, n. Palace
of, 47, n. Psalter of, 296, n., 300.
Name of the banquetting hall of,
48, 49. Tribes of, 186, n.

Teamhair, 43, n., 44, 45, 46, 47,

56, 57, 58, 59, 62, 63, 146, 147.
150, 151, 186, 187, 214, n., 216,
217. Earann, 122, n. Luachra,
122, 122, n., 123. Plain of. 56.

57. Shubha, 122, n.
Teampall na seanbhoithe, 76, n.
Templeshanbo, 76, n.
Thomond, 26, 302. Castles and

Passes of, 25. Earl of, 297.

Fairies ot, 114, n.
I'icknor quoted, 35, n.
rigliearuaeh quoted, 22, «., 48, >i.
Tipperary, 52, n., 1 16, n., 148, n.,

150, n., 294, 298, 299.

315

Tir Chonnaill (Tirconnell), 25.
Tireragh, 108,«., Fhiachrach, 108,

n., Tairntrire, 108,«., 118, 119,

120. 121,^2-20, 221.
Todd, Rev. Dr., 32, n.
Tooth of divination, 180, 181.
Tomes, 79, n.

Tonn Toime, 78, 79, 79, n.
Tories, 82, n.
Tralee, 78, n.

Treun-chosach, 84, 85, 94, 95.
Trinity College, vellum MSS. in, 19.
Triucha cead, meaning of the term,

108, n.
Trughenackmy, 97, «•, 114, n.
Tuatha De Dananns, 24, 87, «.,

110, 111, 113, 114, 114, n., 115,

117,«., 118, 119, 134, 135, 172,

173, 174,«., 194, 195,212.
Tulachs, 80, 133, 180. 181, 184,

185, 192, 193, 194, 195.

U.

Ui Chonaill Gabhra, 106, 107.

Ui Creamhthain, 77, «.

Ui Fhiachrach, 108, 109. 118, 119,

120, 121, 134, 135, 142, 143.
Uileo, meaning of the term, 261, «.
Dirgrean, the sons of, 300.
Uisneach, the sons of, 29.
Ulster, 164. n., 205,«., 297, 298.

Aenghus of, 48, n. Plantation

of, 296, «.

Ultonians, 19, «. Great defeat of,

301.
Una. 114.«.

Upperthird, barony of, 299.
Usnach, death of the sons of, 27, n.

V.

Yen try Harbour, 297. Battle of,

243. «.
Vulcan. 206. n.

W.

Waterford, 30. 148, «., 294. 299.

Water lily. 166, 166, « 167.

Weasels, 98. 99.

Welsh colonists in Ireland. 23. n.

Westmeath, 298.

We.xford. 76, «.

Whitecombe, 50, n.

Wickiow, \m, «.

Wild boars. 182, 183, 184, 185,220,
221.
{ Wild deer, 108, 109.

Witch, remarkable death of a, 168.
I 169

Wood kerns. 82, «.

ZeusB quoted, 32, «.,

MEMBERS.

Aliern, Rev. Maurice, P.P., Castle-
mahon.

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ter, Regius Professor of Civil Law,
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H.

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319

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320

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row, Dublin.
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321

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23

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O'Fiynn, Kev. John L., O.S.F.C,

24, Blackhall-street, Dublin.
O'Gorman, Thomas, Esq., 17, Hey-

tesbury-st., Dublin.
O'Grady, Admiral, Erinagh House,

Castlecounell.
O'Grady, Standish Hayes, Esq.,

Erinagh House, Castlecou-
nell.
O'Grady, Rev. Thos., P.P., Adare.
O'Grady, Rev. Thomas, Berehaven,

Co. Cork.
O'Hanlon, Rev. John, CC, 17,

James's-street, Dublin.
OHara, Randall, Esq., Welch

Back, Bristol.
O'Hara, Mr. John, Curlough,

Bawnboy.
O'Hea, Very Rev. Michael, P.P.,

V.G., Roscarberry, Co. Cork.
O'Hea, Patrick, Esq., Bandon.
O'Laverty, Rev. James, C.C,
Portglenone.

332

O'Leary, Rev. John A., Cork.
OTiOghlen, Sir Colman M., Bart.,

20, Merrion. square, Dublin.
O'Loglilen, Bryan, Esq., Rock-

Tiew, Ennis.
O'Mahony, Rev. Thomas, P.P.,

Crusheen and Rath, Co. Clare.
O'Mahony, James, Esq., Bandon.
O'Mahony, James, Esq., Ballivi-

lone, Bandon.
O'Mahony, Cornelius, Esq., Mil-

waukie, Wisconsin, America.
O'Mahony, Jeremiah, Esq., St.

Stephen's, New Brunswick,

Ame:-iea.
O'Mahony, Rev. Thaddeus, A.B.,

T.C.D., 24, T.C., Dublin.
O'Meara, John, Esq., Birr.
O'Neill, Neal John, Esq., Marino

Crescent, Clontarf, and 82, Marl-

boroiigh-street, Dublin.
O'Neill, Rc7. James, C.C, Rath-

cormick, Co. Cork.
O'Neill llussell, Thomas, Esq., 103,

Grafton-street, Dublin.
O'Regan, Mr., N. T., Bally vohan.
O'Roddy, Bryan, Esq., Dundalk.
O'Rourke, liev. John, C.C,

Kingstown.
O'Sullivan. Rev. Daniel A., P.P.,

Enniskean, Bandon.

Petty, John, Esq., C.E., Ennis.

Pigot, John Edward, Esq.,
M.R.I. A., Barrister, 96, Lower
Leeson-street, Dublin.

Pontet, Marc, Esq., 8, Upper
Sackville-street, Dublin.

Power, Rev. Joseph, M.A., Uni-
versity Library, Cambridge.

Prim, J. G. A., Esq., Kilkenny.

Purcell, Mr. Joseph, Wallsall,
Staffordshire.

Q.
Quin, Very Rev. Andrew, P.P.,

V.G., Kilfenora and Kiltoraght,

Co. Clare.
Quinlivan, Rev. Michael, P.P.,

Newmarket-on-Fcrgus, Co. Clare.

R.

Reade.Rev. George Fortescue, A.B.,

Inniskeen Rectory, Dundalk.

Reeves, Rev. William, D.D., Bally-

mena.
Reeves, Rev. John, C.C, Kil-

meady.
Rooney, Michael William, Esq.,

26, Anglesea-street, Dublin.
Rowan, Rev. Arthur B., D.D.,

M.R.I. A., Belmont, Tralee.
Rowland, John T., Esq., Solicitor,

Drogheda.
Royal Dublin Society, Library of,

Kildare-st., Dublin,
Ryan, Andrew, Esq., Gortkelly

Castle, Borrisoleigh.
Ryan, Patrick, Esq., St. Patrick's

College, Mayuooth.

Scott, William, Esq., Ranelagh
Co. Dubhn.

Siegfried, Rudolf Thomas, Ph. D.,
Dessau, Germany.

Shairp, John Campbell, Esq.,
Rugby.

Sheahan, Michael, Esq., Buttevant.

Sheahan, Mr. Daniel, |Ardagh, New-
castle West, Co. of Limerick.

Shearman, John F., Esq., St. Pa-
trick's College, Maynooth.

Sheehy, George, Esq., Castlemahon.

Skene, William F., Esq., 20, In-
verleith-row, Edinburgh.

Smiddy, Rev. Richard, C.C,
Mallow.

Stamer, William, Esq., M.D.,
Ennis.

Storey, William, Esq., Market
Lane, Kinsale.

Synnott, W. F., Esq., Ballymoyer,
Armagh.

T.
Talbot dc Malahide, the Right Hon.

Lord, Malahide Castle, Malahide.
Talbot, Marcus, Esq., Ennis.
Tamplin, Rev. Edward, P.P.,

Doora and Kilraghtis, Ennis.
Tighe, James, Esq., 47, Great

Britain-st., Dublin.
Todd, Rev. James Ilenthorn, D.D.,

S.F.T.C.D., F.S.A., President,

R.I.A., Dublin.
Todd, Burns, and Co., Messrs.

(per Librarian), Mary-st., Dublin.

323

Trevor, Rev. James, C.C., J
TuUy, Eev. Patrick, P.P.,
Co. Galway.

Gort,

Vaughan, Rev. Jeremiah, P.P.,

Dysart and Ruan, C o. Clare.
Veale, James, Esq., Cappoquin.

W.

Walsh, Michael, Esq., Labasheeda,

Kildysart, Co. Clare.
Ward, Rev. Peter, P.P., Curlough,

Castlebar.
Ward, Mr. Luke, Castlebar.

Westropp, Ralph M.,Esq., Ravens-
wood, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.
White, John Davis, Esq., Deputy

Registrar, Diocese of Cashel,

Cashel.
Wilde, William Robert, Esq., M.D.,

r.R.C.S.I., M.R.I.A., Merrion-

square. North Dublin.
Williams, Wm., Esq., Dungarvan.
Windele, John, Esq., Blair's Castle,

Cork.
Wright, Charles H. H., Esq., A.B.,

19, Trinity College, Dublin.
Wright, Edward P., Esq., A.B.,

5, Trinity College, Dublin.
Wynne, Mr. Michael, Lough Allen,

Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim.
Wyse, Capt. Bonaparte, Waterford

Artillery, Waterford.

AUSTRALIAN CELTIC ASSOCIATION, SYDNEY.

M'Encroe, The Venerable Arch-
deacon, Sydney.

Plunkett, The Hon. John Hubert,
Q.C., M.L.A., Sydney.

M'Carthy, Rev. Timothy, Armi-
dale.

Corish, Rev. M. A., O.S.B.

Beart, Mr. Bryan.

Brien, Mr. James.

Carraher, Mr, Owen Joseph.

Cleary, Mr. James, (Maryborough.)

Cleary, Mr. Richard.

Coverny, Mr. Robert.

Crane, Mrs. Patrick.

Cunningham, Mr. Edward.

Davis, Mr. Wm. M.

Davis, Mr. John.

Hilbert, Mr. J.

Kearney, Mr. Denis.

Lennan, Mr. James.

M'Cormac, The Widow.

Mac Donnell, Mr. Randal.

M'Evilly, Mr. Walter.

Moore, Mr. Jeremiah.

O'Dwyer, Mr. John.

O'Molony, Mr. P. O'D. (Secretary.)

O'Neil, Mr. Thomas.

O'Neil, Mr. Morgan.

O'Neill, Mr. James.

O'Neill, Mr. Cornelius.

O'Reilly, Mr. Robert M.

Reidy, Mr. P.

Smith, Mr. James.

Stevenson, Mr. John.

LONDON, CANADA WEST, ASSOCIATION.

Downes, W. M. H., Esq.
Irwin, William, Esq.
Oliver, D. Noble, Esq., M.D.

I Robinson, William, Esq.
Tierney, John M.. Esq., (Law Stu-
dent,) Secretary.

324
PHILADELPHIA OSSIANIC SOCIETY.

Rev. D. Whelan, Si. Philip Nerfs Church.

iiirf-prfsiiirnt,

John Bprton, Esa., George's-street.
Edward J. Bourke, Esq., 147, South Third-street.

CarrBSfiniiiiiiig t^milarii, anii Irrasnrrr.

Capt. Patrick O'Murphf.

Cantwell, Rev. N., St. Philip
Neri's Church.

Cassidy, Kev. Eugene.

Cullen, P. M. Esq.

Duggan, Joseph J., Esq., 3rd-st.

Flyun, Win., Esq., Philadelphia.

Gannon, John P., Esq., South-st.

Haviland, Rev. N.

Joyce, Wm„ Esq., 9th-street.

Killian, Bernard Doran, Esq.,
New York.

Keleher, Matt., Esq., Philadelpliia.

Kennedy, Wra. J., Esq., South-
st., Philadelphia.

Lyndon, Rev. T. J., St. Patrick's,
Pottsville.

M'Donnell, James, Esq., Philadel-
phia.

M,Gee, Thomas Parcy, Esq.,
Montreal, Canada.

M'Gee, James Edward, Esq., Mont-
real, Canada.

M'Geunis, Michael, Esq.

M'Laughlin, Rev. Wm. C, Tre-
mont, Schuylkill County.

M'Lnughlin, Thomas, Esq.

M'Laughlin, Thomas, Esq., Ca-
tholic Book Store, Philadelphia.

M'Mahon, Rev. J.

Maguire, John, Esq., Printer, Phil-
adelphia.

Mahony, Daniel, Esq., 255, Pa-
rish-street, Philadelphia.

Mitchell, James, Esq., New York

Mirane, Miss Johanna.

Moroney, Wm. Esq., 57, Dock-st,,
Philadelphia.

Murphy, John, Esq., Philadelpliia
Bank, Philadelphia.

Murphy, Rev. Mark.

O'Dwyer, Jeremiah, Esq., Morris-
St., Philadelphia.

O'Farrell, Rev. P., St. Mary's,
Chester County.

O'Shaughnessy, Rev. John
Pittston, Luzerne County.

Power, Rev. J.^r.ies, St. Peter's
Church, Readhig, Pa.

Rowe, Thomas L., Esq.

Scanlan, Rev. John. Mincrsville,
Schuylkill County.

St. Philip Neri's Catholic Institute,
Philadelphia.

Tiernan, James A., Esq., 2, Straw-
herry-st., Philadelphia,

P.,

ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

The Editor begs to notice here a few errors of the press, and more especially to
make some corrections in the Index, which was not prepared by liini, nor did he see it
until after the sheet was struck ofl'. Some additions are also here made to the list of
Members.

For " correct Irish," read " correct modern Irish."

For " to those whom," read " those to whom."

For"poe6ic," read "poetic."

For " impe," read " impel. "'

For '"etc," read " etc."

Dele, "(now MacUouall)."

Dele, " Parents liilled by their offspring in Eric, lll.n."
ADDITIONAL MEMIJERS' NAMES.
Casey, Rev. John, V.V., Kilrosenty, Lamybrien, Co. of Watcrford.
Dec, Mr. Jeremiah, Kilrush.

Fraser, Rev. D., Manso of Fearn by Tain, Scotland.
MacLauchlan, Kev. Thomas, Free Gaelic Clmrch.and Ifl4 Lauriston Tlace, Edinburgh.

THE END.

p

31, 1.

7,

iti fr'i.

p.

32, 1.

15,

in;,. I.

p.

34, 1.

16,

mpra

p.

35, 1.

5.

supra

p.

55. 1

3,

i>,f,a.

p.

311, 1

ft.

infra.

p.

313, 1

19,

infra.

THE IRISH ARCH^OLOGICAL AND CELTIC SOCIETY.

MDCCCLVII.

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE ALBERT.

|)rfsib£ttt :

HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF LEINSTER.

The Most Noble the Marquess of Kild.uie, M. R. I. A.
The Right Hon. the Earl of Dunraven, M. R. I. A.
The Right Hon. Lord Talbot De Malahide, M. R. I. A.
Very Rev. L. F. Renehan, D. D., President of Maynooth College.

CotincH :

Eugene Curry, M. R. I. A.

Rev. Thomas Farrelly.

Rev. Charles Graves, D. D.,

F. T. C. D., M. R. I. A.
Rev. James Graves, A. B.
Rev. Matthew Kelly.
Thomas A. Larcom, Lieut.-Colonel,

R. E., M. R. I. A.

Patrick V. Fitzpatrick, Esq.

John C. O'Callaghan, Esq.

John O'Donovan, LL. D., M. R. I. A.

George Petrie, LL. D., V. P. R. I. A.

Rev. Wm. Reeves, D.D., V.P.R.LA.

Rev. Charles Russell, D. D.

J. Huband Smith, M. R. I. A.

W. R. Wilde, F. R. C. S. I., M. R. I. A.

J. H. Todd, D. D., Pres. R. L A. | John T. Gilbert, M. R. I. A.

THE materials for Irish history, although rich and abundant, have
hitherto been but to a small extent available to the student.
The few accessible authorities have been so frequently vised, and the
works compiled from them are so incomplete, that the expectation
of any accurate history of Ireland has been generally deferred, under
the conviction that vast additions must be made to the materials at
present available before any complete work of that nature can be
produced. The immediate object of this Society is to print, with
accurate English translations and annotations, the unpublished do-
cuments illustrative of Irish history, especially those in the ancient

A

( 2 )

and obsolete Irish language, many of which can be accurately trans-
lated and elucidated only by scholars who liave been long engaged
in investigating the Celtic remains of Ireland ; and should the publi-
cation of these manuscripts be long delayed, many most important
literary monuments may become unavailable to the students of his-
tory and comparative philology. The Society will also endeavour
to protect the existing monumental and architectural remains of
Ireland, by directing public attention to their preservation from the
destruction with which they frequently are threatened.

The publication of twenty-one volumes, illustrative of Irish his-
tory, has been completed by the Irish Archceological Society, founded
in 1840, and the Celtic Society, established in 1845. "^^^^ present
Society has been formed by the union of these two bodies, under the
name of the " Irish Archajological and Celtic Society," for the
preservation of the monuments illustrative of Irish history, and for
the publication of the historic, bardic, ecclesiastical, and topogra-
phical remains of Ireland, especially such as are extant in the Irish
language. Since the union of the two Societies, two important vo-
lumes have been published.

The Books of the Society are published solely for the use of its
Subscribers, who are divided into two classes: Members, who pay
three pounds admission, and one pound per annum ; and Associates,
who pay an annual subscription of one pound, without any entrance
fee. The Fundamental Laws of the Society regulate the privileges of
each class of Subscribers, who can also obtain the publications of
the two former Societies, at the rates, and under the conditions
specified in the present Prospectus.

FUNDAMENTAL LAWS.

I. The Society shall consist of Members and Associates.

II. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by a Council, consisting of a Pre-
sident, five Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, two Secretaries, and fourteen otlicrs, to be
elected annually by the Society from the IMembers.

III. All Members and Associates shall be elected by the Council, on being pro-
posed by a Member ; and no person shall be elected either a IMember or an Associate
of the Society until he has made the requisite payments.

IV. Each Member shall pay four pounds on the first year of his election, and
one pound every subsequent year. Associates shall pay one pound per annum only,

ithout any entrance fee. All subscriptions to be paid in advance, and to become
due on the first day of January, annually.

V. Such Members as desire it may become Life Members, on payment of the sum
of thirteen pounds, or ten pounds (if they have already paid their entrance fee), in
lieu of the annual subscription.

( 3 )

VI. Every Member whose subscription is not in arrear shall be entitled to receive
one copy of each publication of the Society issued subsequently to his admission ;
and the books printed by the Society shall not be sold to the Public.

VII. Associates may become Members, on signifying their wsh to the Council,
and on pajTuent of the entrance fee of three poimds.

VIII. Associates shaU receive a copy of all publications issued by the Society
during the year for which they have paid a subscription ; but shall not be entitled to
any other privileges.

IX. No Member who is three months in arrear of his subscription shall be en-
titled to vote, or to any other privileges of a Member, and any Member who shall be
one year in arrear shall be considered as having resigned. Associates who are in
arrear shall cease, ipso facto, to belong to the Society.

X. The Council shall have power to appoint officers, and to make By-La^^•s not
inconsistent with the Fundamental Laws of the Society.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SOCIETY,

FoTXDED MDCCCXL.

1841.

I. Tracts relating to Ireland, vol. i., containing :

1. The Circuit of Ireland ; by Mmrcheartach Mac Neill, Prince of Aileach ;

a Poem written in the j-ear 942 by Cormacan Eigeas, Chief Poet of the
Xorth of Ireland. Edited, with a Translation and Notes, and a IMap of
the Circuit, by John O'Donovan, LL. D., M. Pi. I. A.

2. "A Brife Description of Ireland, made in the year 1589, by Robert Pajme,

vuto XXV. of his partners, for whom he is vndertaker tlicre." EeprLuted
from the second edition, London, 1590, with a Preface and Notes, by
Aqlilla Smith, M. D., M. R. I. A. (Out of print.)

I I. The Anx.vls of Irel^vxd, by James Grace, of Kilkenny. Edited from the
MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, in the original Latin, with a Trans-
lation and Notes, by the Rev. Richard Butler, A. B., M. R. I. A. Price 8s.

1842.

I. Cach Tlluighi Racb. The Battle of Magh Rath (Moira), from an ancient
MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Echted in the original Irish, with a
Translation and Notes, by John O'Donovan, LL.D., M .R. I. A. Price los.

II. Tracts relating to Ikel.and, vol. 11. containing :

1. "A Treatise of Ireland; by John Dj-uimok." Eilited from a MS. in the

British Museiun, with Notes, by the Rev. Richard Butler, A. B.,
M. R. I. A.

2. The Annals of Multifernan ; from the original MS. in the Libraiy of Tri-

nity College, Dublin. Echted by Aquilla Smith, M. D., M. R. I. A.

3. A Statute passed at a Parliament held at Kilkenny, A. D. 1367 ; from a

MS. in the British Museimi. Edited, with a Translation and Notes, by
Jajies H.VRDi.M^iN, Esq., M. R. I. A. Price los.

( 4 )

1843-

I. An Accouxt of the Tiubes and Custojis ok the District of Hy-SLvnt,
commonly called O'Kelly's Comitry, in the Coimties of Gahvay and Roscommon.
Edited from the Book of Leean in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, in the
original Irish ; with a Translation and Notes, and a Map of Hy-Many, by John
O'DoNOVAN, LL. D., M. R. I. A. Price 1 2s.

II. The Book of Obits and Martyrology of the Cathedral of the
Holy Trinity, commonly called Christ Church, DubUn. Edited from the origmal
MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublm. By the Rev. John Clarke
Crosthwaite, a. M., Rector of St. IMary-at-HiU, and St. Andrew Hubbart, London.
"With an Introduction by Jaues IIenthorn Todd, D. D., V. P. R. I. A., Fellow of
Trinity College, Dublin. Price 12s.

1844.

I. Registrum Ecclesie Omnium S.vnctorum juxta Dublin; from the ori-
ginal MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Edited by the Rev. Richard
Butler, A.B., M.R.LA. Price 7s.

II. An Account of the Tribes and Customs of the District of Hy-
Fiachrach, in the Comities of Shgo and Mayo. Edited from the Book of Lecan,
in the Library of the Royal Irish Academj', and from a copy of the Mac Firbis MS.
in the possession of the Earl of Roden. Witli a Translation and Notes, and a Map
of Hy-Fiachrach. By John O'Donovan, LL.D., M. R. I. A. Price 15s.

1845.
A Description of West or H-Iar Connaught, by Roderic O'Flaherty,
Author of the Ogygia, written A.D. 1684. Edited from a MS. in the Library of
Trinity College, Dublin ; vnth copious Notes and an Appendix. By Jajies Har-
DiMAN, Esq., M.R. LA. Price 15s.

1846.
The Miscell^^ny of the Irish Arcileological Society: vol. i. con-
taining :

1. An ancient Poem attributed to St. Columbkille, with a Translation and

Notes by John O'Donovan, LL. D., M. R. I. A.

2. De Concilio Hibemia; ; the earliest extant record of a Parliament in Ireland ;

vnth Notes by the Rev. R. Butler, M. R. I. A.

3. Copy of the Award as concerning the Tolboll (Dublin) : contributed by

Dr. Aquilla Smith, M. R. I. A.

4. Pedigree of Dr.Dominick Lynch, Regent of the CoUedge of St. Thomas of Aquin,

in Seville, A.D. 1674: contributed by James IIakdiman, Esq., M.R.LA.
J. A Latin Poem, by Dr. John Lynch, Author of Camhrensis Eversus, in
reply to the (Question Cur in patriam nun redix ? Contributed Ijy J^vjies
Hardiman, Esq., M. R. I. A.

6. The Obits of Kilcormick, now Frankfort, King's County ; contributed by

the Rev. J. 11. Todd, D. D., M. R. I. A.

7. Ancient Testaments; contributed by Dr. Aquilla Smith, M. R. LA.

8. Autogi-aph Letter of Thady O'Roddy : with some Notices of the Author by

the Rev. J. H. Todd, D. D., M. R. I. A.
y. Autogi-aph Letter of Oliver Cromwell to his Son, Harry Cromwell,
Commander-in-Chief in Ireland : contributed by Dr. A. Smith, M. R. I. A.

( 5 )

10. The Irish Charters hi the Book of Kells, with a Translation and Notes, by

Joira O'DoNOVAN, LL.U., M. R. I. A.

1 1. Original Charter granted by John Lord of Ireland, to the Abbey of Melli-

font : contributed by Dr. A. Sjiith, M. R. I. A.

12. A Journey to Connaught in 1709 by Dr. Thomas Molyneux: contributed

by Dr. A. Smith, M. R. I. A.

1 3. A Covenant in Irish between Mageoghegan and the Fox ; with a Transla-

tion and historical Notices of the two Families, by John O'Donovan,
LL.D., M. R. I. A.

14. The Annals of Ireland, from A.D. 1453 to 1468, translated from a lost

Irish original, by Dudley Firbise ; with Notes by J. O'Donovan, LL.D.,
M. R. I. A. Price 8s.

1847.
The Irish Version of the Historia Britonum of Neunius, or, as it is called in
Irish MSS. Leabayi bpecnac, the British Book. Edited from the Book of Balli-
mote, collated with copies in the Book of Lecan and in the Library of Trinity
College, Dublin, with a Translation and Notes, by Jajies IIentiiorn Todd, D. D.,
M. R. I. A., Fellow of Trinity College, &c. ; and Additional Notes and an Intro-
duction, by the Hon. Algernon Herbert. Price 15s.

The Latin Annalists of Ireland ; edited with Introductory Remarks and
Notes by the Very Rev. Richard Butler, M. R. I. A., Dean of Clonmacnois, —
•xdz. :

1. The Annals of Ireland, by John Clyn, of Kilkenny; from a MS. in the

Library of Trinity College, Dublin, collated with another in the Bodleian
Library, Oxford.

2. The Annals of Ireland, by Thady Dowling, Chancellor of Leighlin. From

a MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Price 8s.

1 849-50.
Macarije Excidium, the Destraction of Cyprus; being a secret Histoiy of the
Civil War in Ireland, mider James II., by Colonel Charles O'Kelly. Edited in the
Latin from a MS. presented by the late Professor M'Cullagh to the Library of the
Royal Irish Academy ; with a Translation from a MS. of the seventeenth century ;
and Notes by John C. O'Callaghan, Esq. Price i7.

1851.
Acts of Archbishop Colton in his Visitation of the Diocese of Derry, A. D.
1397. Edited from the original RoU, with Introduction and Notes, by William
Reeves, D. D., JL R. I. A. (Not sold.)

[Presented to the Society by the Rev. Dr. Reeves.]

1852.
Sir William Petty's N.vrrative of his Proceedings in the Survey of
Ireland ; from a MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Edited, with
Notes, by Thojias A. Lakcom, Esq., R. E., V. P. K. I. A. Price 15s.

( 6 )

i8j3.
Cambrensis Eversus; or, Refutation of the Authority of Giraldus Canibrinsia
on the History of Ireland, by Dr. John Lynch (1G62), with some Account of the
Aflairs of that Kingdom during his own and former times. Edited, with Transla-
tion and copious Notes, by the Rev. Matthew Kei.ly, Royal College of St. Patrick,
Maynootb. Three volumes. Price, 4/.

A few complete Sets of the foregoing Publications (with the exception of that
for 1851), can still be had by Members only. Application to be made to Edwauu
Clibborn, Esq., Royal Irish Academj', Dawson-street, Dublin.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE CELTIC SOCIETY
Founded MDCCCXLV.

1847.
Leabayi na 5-Ceapc, or. The Book of Rights; a Treatise on the Rights and
Privileges of the Ancient Kings of Ireland, now for the first time edited, with
Translation and Notes, by John O'Donovan, LL. D., M. R. I. A. Prefixed to this
volume are the following historical and critical dissertations by the Editor : — i. On
the various Manuscripts of the Book of Rights. 11. On the Saltair Chaisil, or Psalter
of Cashel. iii. On the will of Cathaeir Mor, and other pieces introduced into Leabhar
na g-Ceart. iv. On the references to Tomar as King or Prince of the Danes of
Dublin. V. On the Tract prefixed to the Book of Rights, entitled, ' The Restrictions
and Prerogatives of the Kings of Eire.' a'i. On the Division of the Year among the
ancient Irish, vn. On the Chariots and Roads of the ancient Irish, viii. On Chess
among the ancient Irish (with engravings), ix. On the Irish Text and Translation.
The large-paper copy contains full-length portraits of Archbishop Ussber, Luke
Wadding, and Roderick O'Flaherty. Price i/.

1848-50-51-52.
Cambrensis Eversus, &c. as above. Three volumes. Price 4I.
[Given to Members of the Celtic Society for 1848, 1850-52; and to Members
or Associates of the United Society for 1853.]

1849.
Miscellany of the Celtic Society, containing :

A Treatise from the Book of Leacan on the O'li-Eidirscceoil's (O'Driscol's)
Country, in the County of Cork.

A Historical Poem on tlie Battle of Dun (Downpatrick), A.I). 1260.

Sir Richard Bingham's Account of his Proceedings in Connacht, in the roign
of Elizabeth.

A Narration of Sir Henry Docwra's Services in Ulster, written A. D. 1614; toge-
ther with other original Documents and Letters illustrative of Irish Ilistoiy.
Edited by John O'Donovan, Esq., LL. D., M. R. I. A. Price W.

( 7 )

i853.
Cath Muigiie Lena: The Battle of Magh Lena; an ancient historic Tale, edited
by Eugene Cur.iiY, Esq., M. I!. L A., from original MSS. Price i?.

Complete Sets of the above Publications can still be had, by Members only, on
application to Mu. Clibborn.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE lEISH ARCHiEOLOGICAL
AND CELTIC SOCIETY.

United MDCCCLIII.

1854.

Liber Hymnorum : The Book of Hymns of the Ancient Church of Ireland ; from
the original MS. in the Libraiy of Trinity College, Dublin. Edited by the Rev.
Jasies Henthorn Todd, D. D., Pres. E. I. A., Senior Fellow of Trinity College.
Part I. Containing the following Latin Hyiiins, with Irish Scholia and Gloss : —

I. The Alphabetical Hymn of St. Sechnall, or Secundinus, in praise of St. Pa-
trick. 2. The Alphabetical Hymn in praise of St. Brigid, attributed to St. Ultan,
Bishop of Ardbreccan. 3. The Hjnnn of St. Cummain Fota. 4. The Hymn or
Prayer of St. Mugint.

1855 and 1856.

The Life of St. Columba, by Adamnan, Ninth Abbot of Hy [or lona].
The Latin text taken from a MS. of the early part of the eighth century, preserved
at Schaff hausen ; accompanied by Various Readings from six other MSS., found in
different parts of Europe ; and illustrated by copious Notes and Dissertations. •• By
the Rev. William Reeves, D. D., M. B., M. R. I. A. With Maps, and coloured Fac-
similes of the MSS.

Tlie two Parts are bound in one Volume, for the convenience of Members.

1857.
LiBEK HYsmoRUM : The Book of Hymns of the Ancient Church of Ireland ; from
the original MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Edited by the Rev.
James HENxnOEN Todd, D. D., Pres. R. I. A., Senior Fellow of Trinity College.
Part n. (In the Press.)

Cosai) 5aoi&eal pe ^cil-l^ai^- The Wars of the Irish and Danes. Edited,
with a Translation and Notes, from a MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin,
collated with a MS. in the handwriting of Fr. IVIichael O'Clery, now in the Burgun-
dian Library at Brussels. By James Henthorn Todd, D. D., Pres. R» I. A., assisted
by John O'Donovan, LL. D., M. R. I. A., and Eugene Cukry, Esq., M. R.I.A.

PUBLICATIONS SUGGESTED OR IN PROGRESS.

I. A Treatise on the Ogh.vsi or Occult Forms of Writing of the
Ancient Irish ; from a MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin ; with a
Translation and Notes, and Preliminary Dissertation, by the Rev. Chakles
Graves, D. D., M. R. I. A., Fellow of Trinity College, and Professor of Mathematics
in the University of Dublin, (/ra the Press.)

II. The MartjTologj' of Donegal.

III. Cormac's Glossarj'. Edited by J. H. Todd, D.D., with a Translation and
Notes, by J. O'Donovan, LL. D., M.R. I. A., and Eugene Curry, Esq., M.R.I. A.
(In the Press.)

IV. The Annals of Ulster. With a Translation and Notes. Edited from a MS.
in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, collated with the Translation made for Sir
James Ware by Dudley or Duald Mac Firbis, a IMS. in the British Jlusemn.

V. The Annals of Innisfallen ; from a MS. in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

VI. The Annals of Tighernach, and Chronicon Scotorura, from MSS. in the Bod-
leian Library, and that of Trinity College, Dublin.

VII. The Genealogy and History of the Saints of Ireland : from the Book of
Lccan.

VIII. An Accomit of the FLrbolgs and Danes of Ireland, by Duald Mac Firbis,
from a MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin.

IX. bopama. The Origin and History of the Boromean Tribute. Edited from
a MS. in the Libraiy of Trinity College, Dublin, with a Translation and Notes, by
Eugene Curry, Esq., M. R. I. A.

X. The Topographical Poems of O'Heerin and O'Dugan.

XI. Leabap S^lJalci) or, The History of the Invasions of Ireland, by the Four
Masters.

XII. poyiup Peapa a^^ eipirni, or, The Histoiy of Ireland, by Dr. Geoffrey
Keating.

XIII. Leal!)ap Oinn Seancup, or. History of the Noted Places in Ireland.

XIV. The Works of Gii-aldus Cambrensis relating to Ireland.

XV. Miscellany of the Irish Aixhasological and Celtic Society.

The Council will receive Donations or Subscriptions to be applied especially to any
of the above Publications.

Subscriptions are received by Edward Clirborn, Esq., Royal Irish Academy,
Dawson-street, Dublin. Persons desirous of becoming Subscribers to the Society
are requested to communicate, by letter, witli the Hon. Secretaries, at No. 35, Trinity
College, Dublin.

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